Name of investigators and institutions:

Principal Investigator:
Chia Zhi Ting, University of Cyberjaya

Co-investigators:
Zubaidah Jamil Osman, Management and Science University
Ahmad Afifi Mohd Arshad, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah
R. Usha A/P S. Rajah, Hospital Pulau Pinang
Law Yen Shuang, Hospital Sultan Ismail
Mazlila bt Meor Ahmad Shah, Hospital Selayang

Introduction:
It is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take your time to read through and consider this information carefully before you decide if you are willing to participate. Ask the study staff if anything is unclear or if you would like more information.

In order to participate in this study, you must be:
a. Between the ages of 18 and 65 years old
b. Understand either English or Malay languages
c. Have non-malignant chronic pain (pain that is unrelated to cancer, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain and headache), and have suffered from the pain most of the days in the duration of at least three months.
d. DO NOT have a life threatening medical condition (i.e., HIV, epilepsy, cancer)
e. DO NOT have any psychotic disorders (i.e., schizophrenia)
f. DO NOT have physical disability (i.e., loss of limbs)

Your participation in this study is voluntary. You do not have to be in this study if you do not want to. You may also refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer. If you volunteer to be in this study, you may withdraw from it at any time. If you decide to withdraw from the study midway, you could exit the site freely and no measures will be used to preserve the data you have filled in, thus all data will be destroyed.This study has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia.

What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between internalized stigma and depressive symptoms among individuals with chronic pain. This research is necessary to improve the understanding of stigma among chronic pain population in Malaysia. This research will be conducted for duration of 4 months (1st April 2021 till 31st July 2021). The expected number of participants is 168 individuals.

What are my responsibilities when taking part in this study?
You will complete a set of questionnaires, including participant screening form, demographic questionnaire, Pain Intensity Questionnaire that estimates your pain levels, and three questionnaires measuring levels of internalized stigma, social support and depressive symptoms. The whole process should take no longer than 20 minutes.

What are the potential risks and side effects of being in this study?
There may be minimal risks or discomforts associated with participation in this study as the questions in one of the questionnaires might elicit certain unpleasant memories or emotions. However, you may choose to terminate your participation at any point of the study without any adverse consequences. If you do experience any risks or discomfort, please feel free to contact the researcher, Chia Zhi Ting or reach out to the mental health services provided in the Information Sheet for assistance.

What are the benefits of being in this study?
There may or may not be any benefits to you. However, information obtained from this study will help improve the understanding of stigmatizing experience among chronic pain population, which might be beneficial in improving chronic pain management in Malaysia.

Who is funding the research?
This study does not receive any external funding. You will not be paid for participating in this study.  

Will my information be kept private?
All your information obtained in this study will be kept and handled in a confidential manner, in accordance with applicable laws and/or regulations. When publishing or presenting the study results, your identity will not be revealed without your expressed consent. Individuals involved in this study, qualified monitors and auditors, and governmental or regulatory authorities may inspect the study data, where appropriate and necessary.

Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions about the study or if you think you have a study related injury and you want information about this study (i.e., a copy of the study results), please contact the researcher, Chia Zhi Ting via email at zhitingchia95@gmail.com.