Good Day, We are fourth year bachelor of pharmacy UKZN students. This survey forms part of our 2015 Honours Project titled ‘An assessment of trends in the use of skin lightening products at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa’. The researchers involved are: R Husain (211502873@stu.ukzn.ac.za), S P Khathi (211544127@stu.ukzn.ac.za) T Abdul Habib (212503795@stu.ukzn.ac.za), J Chetty (211522069@stu.ukzn.ac.za), and T M Muthelo (212508554@stu.ukzn.ac.za). Our supervisor is Mr.G.T.Mahlatsi (mahlatsi@ukzn.ac.za).

You are being invited to consider participating in a study that involves research on the usage of skin lighteners. The aim and purpose of this research is to assess the prevalence of skin lightener usage via a survey carried out on students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa. The study is expected to enroll 400 students from all 5 UKZN campuses. It will involve answering a 15-question survey. The duration of your participation if you choose to enroll and remain in the study is expected to be 4-7 minutes.

Participation in this research is voluntary and you may withdraw participation at any point. Refusal or withdrawal will not incur penalty.

Your confidentiality will be maintained at all times as your personal details will not be stored, answers given will be untraceable and no name or contact details are required to participate.

This study has been ethically reviewed and approved by the School of Health Sciences Research & Higher Degrees Committee (approval number SHSEC 037/15).

In the event of any problems or concerns/questions you may contact the researcher at  R Husain (211502873@stu.ukzn.ac.za), S P Khathi (211544127@stu.ukzn.ac.za) T Abdul Habib (212503795@stu.ukzn.ac.za), J Chetty (211522069@stu.ukzn.ac.za), and T M Muthelo (212508554@stu.ukzn.ac.za) or the supervisor Mr.G.T.Mahlatsi (mahlatsi@ukzn.ac.za)  or the School of Health Sciences Research & Higher Degrees Committee(SRHDC) Postgraduate Officer T Khumalo (khumalot8@ukzn.ac.za)