Verbal indicators of depression in conversations with stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
This secondary analysis study examined patients' comments at 1 and 6 months poststroke when they had scores of > or = 16 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Stroke survivors' depressive comments were matched with items of two well-established depression instruments.


METHODS
A qualitative study using content analysis to analyze the data (N = 7).


RESULTS
Verbal indicators of depression were evident in patients' comments, and depressive themes were identified. Depression instrument items were congruent with minor themes, except for spirituality.


CONCLUSIONS
The analysis provides guidance for assessment of stroke survivor depression. It provides direction for designing interventions to decrease depression after stroke.
Villanova University College of Nursing, Villanova, PA, USA. Gale.Robinson-Smith@Villanova.edu
Gale
G
Robinson-Smith
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003142:Communication; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011581:Psychological Tests; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D014705:Verbal Behavior