Readability and Comprehension of the Geriatric Depression Scale and PROMIS^® Physical Function Items in Older African Americans and Latinos.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depression and physical function are particularly important health domains for the elderly. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS^®) physical function item bank are two surveys commonly used to measure these domains. It is unclear if these two instruments adequately measure these aspects of health in minority elderly.

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the readability of the GDS and PROMIS^® physical function items and to assess their comprehensibility using a sample of African American and Latino elderly.

Methods

Readability was estimated using the Flesch-Kincaid and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formulae for English versions, and a Spanish adaptation of th

SUBMITTER: Paz SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5260858 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature