DAISY — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the aim of the project?

A: We are trying to find whether using particular recreational drugs during pregnancy has an effect on how babies develop after they are born. This is the first study of its kind and, as yet, we do not know what the outcome will be. We make no assumptions about findings, as we are an open-minded research group. We would like the help of you and your baby to look at this question.

Q: Who can take part in the study?

A: We would like to hear from anyone who is pregnant, including those who may have used any recreational drugs (e.g. ecstasy, speed, acid, magic mushrooms, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, ketamine, tobacco, alcohol, or anything else) during pregnancy. You only have to be interested in taking part!

Q: Do I need to wait until my baby is born?

A: No. We would like to see you twice before your baby is born and then five times with your baby, when they are newborn, 4 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years old.

Q: How much time will it take?

A: Each visit will take about one to two hours, with time for refreshment breaks.

Q: What if I cannot come to all the visits?

A: We hope that you will enjoy taking part and will attend all the visits, but if you cannot complete the study, because of moving away or for any other reason, you can withdraw at any point.

Q: What kind of things will I have to do?

A: All the tests we use are standard psychological tasks. We will ask you for information about any drugs you may have used and then you will do a variety of tasks to look at memory, attention and logic. We will also ask you for a small sample of hair if possible (This is so that we can clarify the chemical content of anything you may have taken, as street drugs can be impure). You do not need to prepare in any way and you will not be asked to do anything stressful, physical or uncomfortable.

Q: What kind of tests will my baby have to do?

A: We will look at the physical, social and mental development of your baby in our Developmental Unit. Most of the tasks will be done during sessions of play that are designed to be enjoyable for young children. The sessions will be recorded on video tape.

Q: Who is involved in the study?

A: A team of four full-time researchers are involved in the study as well as several other experts. The work is a collaboration with Case Western Reserve University in America. Both departments have many years of experience in drugs research and infant development research.

Q: Can the authorities find out about my drug use through this study?

A: No. All information is strictly confidential and coded so your name does not appear. Furthermore, it is kept secure only for use by a limited number of researchers. The videos of your baby will be kept in a locked cupboard and only viewed by the research team.

Q: What’s in it for me?

As well as being involved in a groundbreaking piece of research, you will also be able to learn more about your baby’s development. You can keep a video of his/her testing session and receive a £10 voucher for a High street store at each visit to thank you for your time.

Q: Where will I have to come for the study?

You will come to the School of Psychology at UEL in Stratford. We can arrange for a taxi to bring you or you can come on public transport or by car.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?

A: There are tubes, trains and buses that run to Stratford station from where it is a short walk to the School of Psychology at ‘the Green’.

Underground: Central Line or Jubilee Line to Stratford station (central London 20 minutes). Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Railway: Great Eastern: London Liverpool Street - Shenfield - Southend services via Ilford stop at Stratford and Maryland Stations. Silverlink Railways: Richmond - North Woolwich Services stop at Stratford.
Buses: Bus routes 86, 104, 108, 158, 238, 241, 257, 262, 473 call at Stratford station. Buses 25 and 69 stop at Stratford Broadway.

Q: Whom can I talk to if I have any more questions?

A: Any of our team will be happy to answer questions when you visit for a testing session. If you do require more information before you come or between visits, you can get in touch with us by ringing 020 8223 4587 or by emailing daisy@uel.ac.uk.