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Local volunteers wanted for European-wide medicine project

31st January 2014

Photograph of Local volunteers wanted for European-wide medicine project

As the winter months draw on, medicines are likely to be a part of most people’s lives. Researchers at the Environmental Research Institute (ERI), North Highland College UHI, want to find out about how people in the area use, store and dispose of medicines as part of a major European project.

The Caithness component of “Investigating Attitudes to Pharmaceuticals” is being led by the ERI’s Dr Neil James who said: “We are aiming to find out about different consumption practices as part of a larger European-wide study. The information gathered locally will contribute to work being undertaken across Europe. It will also be invaluable in helping us to better understand people’s attitudes towards medicines, and give us an insight into how behaviours vary from one region to another.”

The team are looking to speak to volunteers over 18 years of age living in Castletown, Dunnet, Mey and Canisbay. Volunteers will meet with one of the researchers for an hour at a convenient time and place. The team are hoping to talk to as many residents in the area as possible over the coming months, and will then continue with a second phase involving workshops to be held in the county later in 2014.

Pilot studies conducted in the central belt of Scotland are already providing interesting insights into people’s attitudes towards medicines. The team have noted that although most people take medicine in one form or another, attitudes have varied greatly and that all interviewed so far had something valuable to say.

Anyone interested in the present phase of the project will be welcome to get involved, and if interviewed will be compensated for their time with a shopping voucher worth £15. All volunteers are guaranteed anonymity and confidentiality and no questions will be asked about health issues.

To find out more, or to register your interest in taking part, please email att2med[AT]uhi.ac.uk or call 01847 889 579. Alternatively, there is an online registration form at http://tinyurl.com/att2med.