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Observational and experimental studies looking for participants

The following research studies are seeking participants. If you are interested in participating and meet the criteria then please contact the study co-ordinator or proceed as the study information advises.

If you are interested in clinical trials please visit:

Clinical trials

Current opportunities

Pain Heart Study

Pain Heart Study logoWe are conducting an experimental study about cardiovascular changes in patients with chronic pain in comparison to healthy individuals.

Taking part in this study will involve a 2-hour appointment with researchers in the Department of Psychological Medicine at University of Otago, Dunedin Campus. During that appointment we will:

  • ask you to complete a survey (including questions about your basic demographic information, your health status, and your personal characteristics), and
  • assess cardiovascular measures (blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability) while we will induce a mild acute pain.

All participants in this research will receive a $50 shopping voucher.

This research is important to compare psychological and physiological characteristics associated with pain between individuals suffering from chronic pain and individuals with no history of chronic pain. The results of our study will help us to identify potential risk factors for developing chronic pain and to improve patients' treatment.

We are looking two different groups of participants:

To take part in study group 1 you must:

  • have chronic pain longer than 3 months

To take part in study group 2 you must:

  • have no history of chronic pain

To take part in either in study group 1 or 2 you must:

  • not have any cardiovascular disease,
  • not have any neurological disease,
  • not receive any medication to treat a cardiovascular condition such as hypertension, or severe alcohol and drug addiction,
  • have the ability to read and understand English,
  • be aged at least 18 years old.

Participants who suffer from a cognitive impairment of a degree that impedes their ability to complete a survey are not eligible for this study.

If you are interested in one or our two study groups or are interested in further information about our study, please contact:

Maria Kleinstaeuber
Study co-ordinator
Email maria.kleinstaeuber@otago.ac.nz

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Committee (Reference #: 20/STH/194).

Studying the course of tinnitus

We are conducting a longitudinal observational study about how people experience tinnitus over time.

Taking part in this study will involve completing at least one, and a maximum of three surveys (completing a survey will take between 25 to 40 minutes) across a period of six months. If you complete all three surveys it will take 90 minutes in total.

All participants in this research will receive their choice of either a $20 grocery or petrol voucher after each completed survey.

The online surveys include questions about tinnitus-related problems, and how people experience their tinnitus, as well as demographic and health behaviour related questions.

This research is important in order to gain a better understanding of how psychological characteristics can predict the development and course of tinnitus, and its interference with everyday functioning. Results of our study will help us to identify individuals who are at risk of developing a persistent tinnitus and to provide them with an appropriate treatment at an early stage.

To take part in this study you must:

  • have had a subjective tinnitus for less than 4 weeks.
  • have the ability to read and understand English.
  • be aged at least 18 years old.

Participants who suffer from a cognitive impairment of a degree that impedes their ability to complete a survey are not eligible for this study.

For further information, contact:

Maria Kleinstaeuber
Study co-ordinator
Email maria.kleinstaeuber@otago.ac.nz

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Committee, Reference: H20/063.

Attitudes towards mental disorders

As part of an international multi-centre study we are conducting a survey about attitudes towards mental disorders with students in New Zealand.

This online survey includes questions about attitudes towards people affected by a mental disorder and towards the utilisation of health care services.

This research is important to gain a better understanding of peoples' views on mental health issues and to better provide communities with information about these problems.

The survey is anonymous and takes 15 minutes. All participants are invited to participate in a draw of two NZ$25 Westfield shopping vouchers.

To take part in this study participants have to be:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Able to read and write in English
  • Enrolled in any kind of subject at a University in New Zealand

For more information, see:

Or contact:

Maria Kleinstaeuber
Study co-ordinator
Email maria.kleinstaeuber@otago.ac.nz

Participate in the online survey

This project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee, Reference: D19/040.

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