Natsal-4
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Fourth National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-4) - pilot study
IRAS ID
275649
Contact name
Cath Mercer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UCL data protection reference number:, Z6364106/2019/12/69
Duration of Study in the UK
years, 9 months, days
Research summary
We are seeking ethical approval for the pilot study of the fourth National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-4).
Context: Natsal is the world’s largest, most detailed study of sexual behaviour. Natsal has taken place every 10 years (1990, 2000, 2010). The Natsal data, from over 45,000 participants, have been used extensively to improve understanding of sexual behaviour patterns in Britain and guide policy to improve sexual health education and health services. Natsal-4 aims to achieve a sample of 10,000 participants who will be randomly selected from across Britain and invited to take part.
This study: This pilot will assess the acceptability, feasibility, response rates and understanding of all aspects of the study, including the participant information leaflets, questionnaire, biological sampling and consent for data linkage, in order to finalise the tools for the main study planned for 2021. This will be achieved through a general population pilot in 200 participants aged 15-59 years. As in previous waves, the interviews will be conducted in participants’ homes by trained interviewers working for NatCen Social Research, an independent research organisation, highly experienced in research of this kind. Information will be collected using computerised questionnaires, including a self-completion element for the most sensitive questions, to ensure privacy. Survey answers will be combined with information from biological samples (urine or vaginal swabs, to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)) that participants will be invited to provide, and routinely-collected data (e.g. health records). 20 pilot participants will be invited to participate in subsequent semi-structured interviews to understand their experiences of taking part in more detail.
This pilot will inform any necessary changes to the methods, procedures and questionnaire that will be subsequently assessed in a second pilot, a “dress rehearsal” for the main stage study. These will be covered by a separate (linked) ethics application.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EM/0025
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion