The acceptability of collecting samples from Understanding Society participants for microbiome analysis

Abstract

ISER commissioned Kantar to conduct in-depth interviews with Understanding Society participants to explore views on the acceptability of requesting a stool sample and to gather feedback on prospective study materials. Researchers used semi-structured discussion guide and a range of stimulus materials during the discussions.. Participants’ views on providing a stool sample fell along a spectrum of more to less acceptable, with three broad groups emerging – ‘Willing’, ‘On the fence’, and ‘Not willing’. The three groups had similar and overlapping information needs, specifically an interest in the wider purpose of the study and more detail about collecting the sample.