Protecting your privacy and the information you choose to share with us is extremely important to the research team of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS-72). We have several security measures in place to protect your privacy.

 

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  • Any information you provide to us can only be used for research purposes. 
  • Your name and other identifying information will be removed before other researchers can see your data, including information based on any biological samples you may provide. Identifying information will never be released to the public.
  • A limited number of authorized project personnel will have access to the protected computers where your data will be stored. 
  • We have strict internal policies and procedures to prevent misuse of data, including signed confidentiality agreements from all research staff prohibiting them by law from using the obtained information for any purposes other than this research study.
  • We obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health that protects us from any legal demands to release information that can identify you.

You will be asked to donate a blood and saliva sample. The samples we collect will be used to examine how people’s life experiences shape their health and memory. This includes examining how your genes play a role in your overall health. Some people worry that research about their genes might lead to discrimination in employment or health insurance against people who are found to have a higher average risk of certain health conditions. The federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) makes it illegal for health insurers or most employers to discriminate against you based on your genetic information. Further, health insurance companies and employers may not ask us for information about your genes that we get from this research. You may decide at the time of your health visit which measures you’re comfortable completing.

All research on people is reviewed by a committee that works to protect your rights and welfare. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research subject, you may contact the IRB Manager at NORC at the University of Chicago at 312-759-4023 or toll-free at 1-877-346-7151. Please refer to protocol 21-07-389. IRB Date Approved: 01/19/2023