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Welcome to the DSC Study

We are currently recruiting African American women aged 18 years and older to better understand how discrimination and sociocognitive processes (e.g., thought patterns, worldviews) can influence cardiovascular disease risk for African American women. All eligible participants who complete this 7-day study will receive up to $135 for their participation. You can review the inclusion and exclusion criteria below.

 

Potential participants can determine study eligibility and sign up for the study clicking the button below.

Study Details

The DSC study will include an initial intake exam (approximately 1.5 hours) and a 7-day follow-up using your smartphone device. We will also ask to obtain physiological measurements (e.g., height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate).  We will also ask that you submit saliva samples to examine your physiological state. Saliva will be analyzed for cortisol (stress hormone), alpha-amylase (inflammation), and telomere length (a measure of cellular aging to determine physiological age). Specifically, we will ask to complete the following tasks which are all for research purposes.

Virtual Intake Exam

  • Survey questionnaires that will examine your experiences of discrimination and sociocognitive processes (e.g., thought patterns, worldviews), and other relevant factors (e.g., perceived stress, resilience). 

  • Physiological measurements (e.g., blood pressure cuff measurements, height, and weight)

  • Saliva samples involving chewing a sterile cotton swab and placing it in a clean specimen tube.

  • You will receive a $30 gift card for completing this part of the study (1.5 hour)

7-Day Protocol

  • You will be asked to download a mobile app (available for both IOS and Android devices) on your mobile phones. 

  • Complete questionnaires related to discrimination, cognitive appraisal, and emotions. (3-4 min) at 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm

  • Submit a saliva sample at waking and within 30 minutes of completing the electronic surveys

  • You will receive a $105 in digital gift cards for completing this part of the study.

Eligibility Criteria

Am I eligible for the DSC Study?

To participate in the DSC Study you meet the following criteria:

  1. Self-Identified Black or African American female

  2. 18 years or older

  3. Comfort submitting saliva samples

  4.  ownership of a smartphone with IOS or Android operating system

What makes me ineligible for the DSC Study?

You are not eligible to participate in the study if you have the following:
  1. Inflammatory disorders
  2. Use of  an asthma inhaler or antidepressants within last 3 months
  3. Previous diagnosis of mental illness (e.g. clinical depression, bipolar disorder);
  4. Diabetes
  5. Hepatitis
  6. Cardiovascular disease;
  7. Current pregnancy
  8. Other chronic illness (e.g.,seropositive for HIV).

Can I share the study with individuals who may be eligible?

Absolutely!! One of the best way to recruit participants for this important study is by word of mouth. So if you feel others will benefit from this important study please share!

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