Would you like to take part in a research study by anonymously sharing your feelings via your smartphone?

Researchers at University College London are investigating the impact of COVID-19 on people’s physical and mental health, together with their attitudes to the pandemic and their thoughts on the public health strategies that have been put in place to tackle it. They are particularly interested in hearing from people living with dementia.

What does it involve?

The Attitudes about COVID-19 and Health (ATTACH) study encourages people to share their views using the ‘Air My Opinion’ app.

Twice a day you will be prompted to answer a simple one minute question about how COVID-19 is affecting you. There is also a short survey to complete once a month.

Volunteer responses will offer real-time insight into the effects of COVID-19 on communities in the UK.

Understanding the effects of the pandemic

The study’s Principal Investigators are Professor Fenella Kirkham and Dr Anna Hood at University College London.

Professor Fenella Kirkham said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of modern life from learning and socialising to health and finances.  We have all experienced changes in different ways but some groups, including those who have dementia or are caring for those with dementia, may find this very challenging.”

Dr Anna Hood said:

“Since the launch of this new study almost 1500 people have registered their interest and I would encourage you to spare a few minutes of your time to help us to better understand the wide spectrum of experiences.

“We hope through this survey we can understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and inform policy to ultimately develop appropriate health interventions.”

How to take part

The survey is open to anyone with a mobile phone aged 16 or over. To take part you simply need to download the Air My Opinion app onto your smartphone or tablet/iPad.

Daily poll results will be displayed on the lab webpage and will be shared with those involved in dementia research. Scientific results will be presented at national conferences and submitted to peer-review journals.

To find out if you are eligible to join this study, as well as other dementia studies, sign in to your Join Dementia Research account or if you’re not already registered, sign up today!