Participant Information
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the uME study, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 13 and 19 years old
- Have access to a mobile device capable of SMS text messaging
- Be able to provide informed consent
- Be able to independently complete surveys in English
Study Participation Details
Survey Assessment Schedule
Participants will complete the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) at four separate intervals:
- Baseline (Week 0)
- Follow-up 1 (Week 4)
- Follow-up 2 (Week 8)
- Endpoint (Week 12)
Additional non-sensitive information will be collected, including:
- Basic demographic information (age, gender identity, race/ethnicity)
- Usage pattern data (via surveys)
uME Interaction Protocol
- Text messaging available at +1.310.905.3242
- Unlimited messaging at participant discretion
- No associated costs
- uME access begins after Week 4 follow-up assessment
Data Security Measures
Survey Data Management
- Paper surveys will be immediately scanned and then shredded
- Scanned data will be stored on a password-protected, encrypted devices
- Access limited to program evaluators only
- Data will be retained for two years following program evaluation completion
- All electronic files will be securely deleted after this period
uME Data Protocols
- Conversations are only stored during active sessions
- No long-term data retention
- Compliance with data protection regulations:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
- COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
AI Safety Implementation
uME incorporates specific safety features to ensure participant protection:
- Topic restriction to approved domains
- Automated safety scanning
- Prohibition of sensitive personal information retention
Participant Rights & Protections
All study participants are guaranteed the following rights:
- Right to withdraw from the evaluation at any time without penalty
- Continued access to uME services regardless of participation status
- Data will only be analyzed and reported in aggregate form
- All personal information will be kept confidential
Important Notice About Survey Content
Below is a copy of the survey we plan on using for our ongoing program evaluation. While the core assessment elements will remain consistent, specific questions may be added, removed, or adjusted during different phases of the evaluation.
Key Points:
- The primary WEMWBS assessment will remain unchanged throughout the evaluation
- Additional questions may be included to assess program compliance and usage patterns
- Demographic questions and basic information collection will stay consistent
- Any modifications will maintain participant privacy and data security standards