Internal Consistency and Convergent Validity of Self-Report and By-Proxy Measures of Depression in Persons With Aphasia

Abstract

Purpose Depression assessment is challenging in persons with aphasia given their language impairment. Studies have used both self-report scales and by-proxy measures of depression in persons with aphasia. However, the validity of these measures has been called into question. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation into aspects of validity of the community version of the Stroke Aphasia Depression Questionnaire (SADQ-10) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale–Revised (CESD-R). Method Twenty-four participants with chronic aphasia completed the CESD-R, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Mental Health scale (PROMIS GMH), and the Dynamic Visual Assessment of Mood Scales (D-VAMS) while their caregivers completed the SADQ-10. Internal consistency of the CESD-R and the SADQ-10 and the convergent validity of the CESD-R, SADQ-10, PROMIS GMH, and D-VAMS were examined. Results The SADQ-10 and the CESD-R were internally consistent. The CESD-R was moderately correlated with the SADQ-10, PROMIS GMH, and D-VAMS. However, the SADQ-10 was not correlated with the PROMIS GMH and D-VAMS. Conclusions We suggest both the CESD-R and the SADQ-10 be used together to screen for depression in persons with aphasia. Further studies with larger sample sizes need to be conducted to establish validity of other depression screening instruments in person with aphasia.