Is a measurement of emotional state suitable for stroke patient to use

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Testing if a questionnaire measuring emotional state is suitable and useful for a person who has had a stroke - V1

  • IRAS ID

    234829

  • Contact name

    Xu Wang

  • Contact email

    x.wang@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Leeds Beckett University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 6 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Mood problems are common after stroke. They include depression, anxiety, and psychological stress. The National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke state that people with sub-clinical, mild or moderate symptoms of psychological distress, depression or anxiety should be given information, support and advice [1]. To provide relevant information and support, it is important that clinicians assess these symptoms using measures that are reliable and appropriate for stroke patients. Furthermore, researchers need to use a valid measure when testing the effectiveness of a psychosocial programme or intervention for stroke survivors. Among measures tested in stroke patients, none measures the level of stress. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21) measures stress as well as depression and anxiety [2]. It’s also free to use. However, we don’t know whether it is appropriate and useful to use for people who have had a stroke.

    Aims
    To test if the DASS-21 is valid and reliable to use for stroke survivors. In other words, to find out if the DASS-21 is appropriate and useful for people who had a stroke.

    Methods:
    This study is conducted through two phases using both quantitative and qualitative design.

    PHASE ONE:
    We aim to recruit 110 stroke survivors: 1) who are admitted for either an acute stroke or to a rehabilitation ward; and 2) who are in the care of a community stroke team. Participants will be asked to complete individually or with the help of the chief investigator, a set of questionnaires at Time 1 and Time 2 (around 3-7 days after T1).

    PHASE TWO:
    We will conduct semi-structured interviews with 30-40 participants who took part in phase one. We will ask for their feedback and comments on filling out the questionnaires, especially the DASS-21. An interview topic guide will be used. Phase two will be conducted right after T2 data collection, with a short break in between.

  • REC name

    Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    18/YH/0228

  • Date of REC Opinion

    6 Jun 2018

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion