BackgroundThere is no reliable and valid self-report measure of depressive symptoms for people with learning disabilities.AimsTo develop a scale for individuals with learning disability, and a supplementary scale for carers.MethodItems were generated from a range of assessment scales and through focus groups. A draft scale was piloted and field tested using matched groups of people with or without depression, and their carers. The scale was also administered to a group without learning disabilities for criterion validation.ResultsThe Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability (GDS–LD) differentiated depression and non-depression groups, correlated with the Beck Depression Inventory – II (r=0.88), had good test – retest reliability (r=0.97) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.90), and a cut-off score (13) yielded 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The Carer Supplement was also reliable (r=0.98; α=0.88), correlating with the GDS–LD (r=0.93).ConclusionsBoth scales appear useful for screening, monitoring progress and contributing to outcome appraisal.
What can viral suppression indicators tell us? Monitoring progress towards improvement in HIV care for those newly diagnosed in Queensland, Australia
