Researcher Guide

This guide provides comprehensive information for researchers using the Wellbeing Mapper app for data collection and analysis in the Planet4Health study.

Overview

The Wellbeing Mapper app is designed to collect anonymous, encrypted data about participants’ mobility patterns and mental wellbeing in Italy.

Data Collection & Analysis

Location Data Decryption

• Location Data Decryption Guide - Complete guide to decrypt location data from Qualtrics exports
• Python Decryption Tool - Automated tool for processing encrypted location data
• CSV Output - Ready for analysis in R, SPSS, or other statistical software

Encryption Setup

• Encryption Setup - Security and key management for data collection
• RSA+AES Hybrid Encryption - Industry-standard data protection
• Key Management - Secure handling of encryption keys

Server Configuration

• Server Setup - Research server configuration
• Data Storage - Secure data hosting requirements
• Access Controls - Research team access management

Research Setup

Participant Management

• Participant Validation System - Secure participant access control
• Participant Codes - Generation and distribution system
• Validation Process - Ensuring secure study access

Research Features

• Research Features Summary - Available research tools
• Survey System - Initial and biweekly wellbeing assessments
• Location Tracking - Background GPS data collection
• Notification System - Automated survey reminders

Privacy & Ethics

• Privacy Documentation - Data protection measures
• Consent System - Informed consent collection
• Anonymization - Participant privacy protection
• GDPR Compliance - European data protection standards

Data Types Collected

Location Data

• GPS Coordinates - Encrypted longitude/latitude points
• Timestamp Information - Time-stamped location visits
• Movement Patterns - Mobility and activity spaces
• Environmental Context - Location-based environmental exposures

Survey Data

• Initial Survey - Baseline demographic and wellbeing data
• Biweekly Surveys - Regular wellbeing assessments
• Consent Records - Participant consent status
• Response Metadata - Survey completion information

Technical Data

• App Usage Metrics - Feature usage patterns (anonymized)
• Performance Data - Technical performance indicators
• Error Logs - System error reporting (anonymized)

Analysis Workflow

1. Data Export from Qualtrics

• Access Qualtrics survey responses
• Download response data in CSV format
• Identify encrypted location data fields

2. Data Decryption

• Use Python decryption tool
• Process encrypted location data
• Generate analysis-ready CSV files

3. Data Analysis

• Import data into statistical software
• Merge location and survey data
• Apply analysis protocols

4. Results Reporting

• Follow ethical reporting guidelines
• Maintain participant anonymity
• Share findings with research community

Quality Assurance

Data Validation

• Encryption Verification - Ensure all data is properly encrypted
• Completeness Checks - Verify data collection integrity
• Participant Validation - Confirm authorized participation

Technical Monitoring

• System Performance - Monitor app functionality
• Data Transfer - Verify successful data transmission
• Error Tracking - Identify and resolve technical issues

Ethical Considerations

Participant Rights

• Voluntary Participation - All participation is voluntary
• Informed Consent - Full disclosure of data collection
• Right to Withdraw - Participants can leave study anytime
• Data Deletion - Option to request data removal

Data Protection

• Anonymization - No personal identifiers collected
• Encryption - All data encrypted before transmission
• Secure Storage - Protected data hosting
• Access Controls - Restricted researcher access

Research Ethics

• University Approval - Ethics committee oversight
• Study Protocols - Standardized research procedures
• Participant Safety - Mental health safeguarding
• Community Benefit - Research for public good

Support & Contact

Technical Support

• Developer Team - GitHub Issues
• Documentation - Complete technical guides
• Integration Support - Analysis tool integration

Research Team

• Principal Investigator:
  • John Palmer: john.palmer@upf.edu (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona)

Study Coordination

• Participant Recruitment - Contact research coordinators
• Data Queries - Statistical analysis support
• Protocol Questions - Research methodology guidance

Additional Resources

Training Materials

• Researcher Training - Onboarding for new team members
• Data Analysis Protocols - Standardized analysis procedures
• Best Practices - Research quality guidelines

Publications

• Study Protocol - Published research methodology
• Preliminary Results - Early findings and insights
• Conference Presentations - Research dissemination

For questions about this guide, contact the research team or open an issue on GitHub.