Table 2 Comprehension of Assent Test

According to you, what is research?

To test the basic and generalized knowledge the child has about the research study in terms of its being research as opposed to ‘pure’ clinical care. Words the research assistant is looking for include ‘knowledge’, ‘information’, ‘helping others’.

What do you think will happen to you if you choose not to participate in the study?

To see if the child understands that participation is voluntary and that she/he is free to withdraw at any time without consequence.

If you choose to participate:

1) To see if the child is able to mention any benefits he/she may experience from participating (e.g. seeing a doctor);2) To see if the child understands the risks she/he may encounter from participating (e.g. loss of confidentiality if they are in immediate danger to themselves or others, emotional distress)

1) What are the good things that may happen to you?

2) What are the bad things that may happen to you?

Once you enroll in the study, how often will you have to participate?

To test the child’s understanding of the frequency of visits during the study.

What will happen to you during the research?

To test the child’s understanding of procedures for the study, including the standardized interview and possible participation in a focus group.

All the information you share with the research team will be confidential. What do you understand by this?

To see if the child understands their relationship with the research team is based on trust, that personal information will be kept secret unless there are exceptional circumstances, specifically if the child is in immediate danger.