Project Title: Patch Me If You Can
Project Type: Participatory, arts-based research & storytelling
Focus: Kenyan Women’s experiences with tobacco use, quitting, relapse, silence, and tobacco harm reduction (THR)
1. Purpose of the Project
Patch Me If You Can is a research-driven comics and storytelling project that centers specifically on Kenyan women’s lived experiences with tobacco and nicotine use. The project is grounded in participatory action research, where women are not treated as research subjects but as co-researchers whose knowledge shapes the work.
The project aims to: – Document women’s experiences with tobacco use, quitting, relapse, and silence – Address stigma, misinformation, and moralized narratives around tobacco and nicotine – Explore tobacco harm reduction (THR) as an information-based, non-judgmental approach – Co-create comics, educational materials, and community conversations informed directly by women’s narratives
2. Who Can Participate
You may participate if you: – Identify as a woman – Are 18 years or older – Currently use tobacco or nicotine, or have used it in the past – Have tried to quit, cut down, relapsed, or remained silent about your experience
Participation is voluntary, and choosing not to participate will have no negative consequences.
3. What Participation Involves
If you choose to participate, you may be invited to: – Share written reflections through a questionnaire or form – Respond to questions about your experiences, challenges, and perspectives – Contribute insights that help shape research findings and creative outputs
You may: – Skip any question you do not wish to answer – Stop participating at any time – Choose how your story is shared (anonymously or openly)
There are no right or wrong answers. Your comfort and safety are prioritized.
4. Anonymity, Privacy & Confidentiality
You have full control over how your contribution is identified. You may choose: – Full anonymity (no identifying details used) – A pseudonym – First name only – Open contribution (credited participation)
Your choice will be respected. If your story is selected for publication or adaptation, additional consent will be requested before public release.
All data will be: – Stored securely – Accessed only by the core research team – Used exclusively for research, educational, and creative purposes related to this project
Personal data will not be sold, shared, or used for commercial purposes.
5. Use of Stories & Research Outputs
Contributions may inform or appear in: – Comics and visual storytelling – Educational or awareness materials – Research summaries or reports – Exhibitions, talks, or public discussions – Advocacy and community engagement activities
All outputs will be developed using respectful, non-judgmental, and harm-reduction-oriented language.
6. Risks & Emotional Considerations
Some questions may involve reflecting on personal or sensitive experiences. This may cause emotional discomfort.
To reduce risk: – Participation is self-paced – Questions may be skipped – No judgment or advice is imposed – Participants may stop at any time
This project does not replace medical, psychological, or professional support.
7. Benefits of Participation
There is no financial compensation for participation. However, participation may: – Contribute to reducing stigma around women and tobacco use – Support more accurate and compassionate public conversations – Help shape harm-reduction education and resources – Strengthen women-centered research and creative practice
8. Harm Reduction Position
This project: – Does not promote tobacco or nicotine use – Recognizes that abstinence is the safest option – Supports access to accurate, evidence-informed information – Aims to empower women to make informed and safer decisions – Rejects shame-based, moralistic, or punitive approaches
9. Participant Rights
By participating, you acknowledge that: – You understand the purpose of the project – Your participation is voluntary – You may withdraw at any time before publication – You may request removal of your contribution before public use
10. Contact & Questions
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to withdraw your contribution, you may contact the project team using the contact details provided in the research form.
Consent Statement
☐ I have read and understood the information above. I voluntarily agree to participate in the Patch Me If You Can research project.
patch me if you can 