Learning from people with disabilities and obesity: Home-based Health and Social Services

STUDY BASICS

Have you received help with a disability while you live at home? Are you overweight or obese? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about how obesity affects the provision of home- and community-based services. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Older people often need help at home to live healthy and happy lives. However, body weight or body size may make receiving help at home more difficult or challenging in special ways. The University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Research Institute researchers would like to learn more about how obesity changes how you receive help at home. People get extra help in their homes from home health, personal care, transportation vans, meal services, adult day care, senior centers, and hospice. 

We want to interview people who receive help at home from these services and listen to their experiences. Your stories and experiences will be kept confidential but used in the future to improve the lives of people with disabilities and obesity. 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Eligible participants  should:

• Have a BMI ≥30 and/or weigh ≥200 lbs. 
• Have used home- or community-based services for at least 7 days. 
• Be able to talk about their own experiences in English. 

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

The research study involves a single, audio-recorded interview lasting 30-45 minutes. The interview can be done over the phone or by video conference. It will be conducted by Dr. John Harris, an obesity researcher and physician, from the University of Pittsburgh or his research staff. Participants will be compensated $80 for their time.