Assalaamu Alaykum. Thank you for taking the time to participate in our survey.

 

Purpose

 

We are surveying Muslim women who are experiencing difficulty having a first or second child. It is well known that infertility is a deeply upsetting experience that affects millions of women each year. However, it is unclear whether religion helps these women cope with their distress.  As a Muslim woman and researcher, my aim is to better understand the impact of faith on the wellbeing of Muslim women experiencing infertility. Our hope is that this study will provide information that will benefit infertile Muslim women physically and psychologically, ultimately increasing their chances of healthy pregnancy.

 

To participate in the study, you must be a Muslim female; living in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Canada; at least 18 years old; not currently pregnant; currently experiencing difficulty conceiving (a first or second child); and/or carrying a pregnancy (for a first or second child) to live birth.

 

Procedure

 

You will be asked to complete demographic questions (e.g., age, education), followed by questions about your pregnancy and fertility history, recent mood, religiosity, and spirituality. It will take about 20 minutes to answer all of the questions.  There are no "right" or "wrong" answers. Though we have tried our best to incorporate all possible answer choices, at times we provide an "Other" option that allows you to include what we may have missed.

 

Privacy and Confidentiality

 

Your answers will be anonymous and kept completely confidential. We are not asking for any information that could be used to reveal your identity.

 

Risks/Benefits

 

Participating in this study poses no physical risks or direct benefits to you. However, your participation may help guide the development of therapeutic interventions that alleviate the suffering of Muslim women who struggle with fertility problems.

 

Payment for Participation

 

If you complete the survey, you will have the opportunity to enter a draw for one of five $100 cash prizes. There will be a link at the end of the survey that will bring you to a separate webpage to enter your email address. The email address you provide to enter the draw will not be linked to your survey responses in any way.

 

Voluntary Nature of Participation

 

Participating in the study is completely voluntary.

 

Contact Information

 

If you have any questions regarding this study, please contact the research coordinator, Mona Elgohail, at me425@drexel.edu. You may also call us at 215-­553-­7121. If you have any adverse reactions to the study, you may contact the Drexel University Office of Research Compliance at 215-255-7857.