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Objective: The purpose of this study is to triangulate qualitative and quantitative data to better understand depression among multicultural veteran stroke survivors at one month after hospital discharge.
Design: Data for this multi-method triangulation study were derived from a larger study of stroke recovery trajectories for three ethnic groups: African American, Hispanic, and European American Veterans. Data were collected prior to discharge and at one month post discharge. Qualitative data include transcribed interviews and observations made in the home. Quantitative data include depression measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale and information from patient records.
Population, Sample, Setting: Participants are 51 veterans who were discharged home after stroke with a caregiver from one of four VA medical centers in Florida.
Concept or variables studied together: Depression, stroke recovery
Methods: Evidence of depression from 51 interviews, the GDS, and review of records will be presented. Interviews were coded using N6 software. Interview data were examined for experiences related to depression. Salient items were identified from the GDS using inter item correlations and factor analysis. Patient records were reviewed for depression diagnoses and other evidence of depressive symptoms. Comparisons of data from the three sources (interviews, GDS, patient records) will be presented to develop a more comprehensive description of depression in the post stroke period.
Findings: Mean scores on the GDS indicated low levels of depression despite evidence of depression in patient records and qualitative interviews.
Conclusions: Although depression is common in stroke recovery, less is known about the experience of depression and the validity of the GDS as an appropriate measure in this multicultural population. The GDS did not adequately measure depressive experiences in this sample.
Implications: Triangulating qualitative and quantitative information provides a better understanding of depression. A refinement of depression measures for the post stroke period is indicated.
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