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METHODOLOGY
Research Design
An exploratory design was employed using a qualitative research method
approach. This design was chosen primarily due to the population’s under-researched
status and the nature of their mental health and social problems, which go largely
unknown to the public in the city of Long Beach. The approach was appropriate for the
study because it allowed for the flexibility of comprehensive research within the context
of natural settings, incorporating aspects of the target population’s cultural beliefs,
attitudes, and behavior.
The survey method was based on a qualitative interview guide (e.g., face-to-face
interviews) with standardized open-ended questions that was designed by the researcher.
Additionally, the interview was based on the Geriatric Depression Scale (short form
version) to explore the level of depression among the Cambodian elderly.
Sampling Plan and Characteristics of the Sample Human Subjects
The sampling method was based on a non-probability sample with a sample size
of fifteen Cambodian elderly. The method of “snowball” sampling was applied as a
sampling strategy. Subjects met the requirements of being 60 years of age or older.
Subjects were selected from a large apartment complex (mostly occupied by Cambodian
residents) in the city of Long Beach and the researcher went door to door asking for the
subjects’ participation. The subjects who self-selected themselves as participants lead the
researcher to other qualified participants who were included in the research as well.
The age of the respondents ranged from 65 to 85 years old. The ages of five
respondents were between 65 and 69 years old, six were between 70 and 77 years old, and
four were between 82 and 85 years old. Eight of the fifteen respondents consisted of
female subjects and seven consisted of male subjects. The respondents’ marital status
consisted of six subjects who were married, eight who were widowed, and one who
reported as separated.
Instrument
The instrument utilized in this research study consisted of a social isolation
interview guide and the Geriatric Depression Scale (short-form version). The social
isolation interview guide consisted of eight open-ended questions, designed by the
researcher. The Geriatric Depression Scale consisted of fifteen standardized,
closed-ended questionnaires. Both the social isolation interview guide and Geriatric
Depression Scale were written in English and in Khmer (subjects’ native language). The
written English version was needed as an interview backup for the researcher, while the
Khmer version was needed as a guideline for the interpreter to read out to the participants
during the interviews.
This social isolation interview guide sought to explore participants’ level of
isolation by inquiring: (1) What was your daily life before in Cambodian? (2) What is
your daily life like in the United States? (3) What is your relationship with your spouse?
(4) What is your relationship with your children? (5) What is your relationship with your
friends? (6) Do you travel very much? (7) Are you involved in any activities? (8) Do
you find yourself bored at times? The interview guide questions were also intended to
elicit information about the general daily life among the Cambodian elderly and a
comparison between their lifestyles in Cambodia before the war and in the United States
as refugees.
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was implemented to assess the level of
respondents’ depression. The scale consisted of a five-point likert-scale, rating from
strongly agree (SA), agree (A), neutral (N), disagree (D), strongly disagree (SD). The
scoring method was determined by the scale’s “depression answers,” which comprised of
“NO” and “YES” responses, respectively. For example, the depression answers, “NO,”
are questions 1, 5, 7, 11, and, 13. The other answers, “YES,” are questions 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9,
10, 12, 14, and 15. The GDS score range are as follows: 1-5 (normal); 6-11 (mild); 12-15
(very depressed). Reversed scoring was used for GDS questions 1, 5, 7, 11, and 13. Also,
a five point likert scale scoring was reduced to “Yes” or “No” and “Neutral” answers
were categorized as depression answers.
Demographic questions were also included to gain information about the
participants’ age, number of children, marital status, and gender. Additionally, followed
by the demographics, two questions were added. The first question was “Is there any
information we have missed that you may want to add or tell us?” The second question
was “How do you feel about the interview?”
Data Collection
The instruments were administered to fifteen Cambodian elderly in their homes by
the researcher and the interpreter. Participants were asked to participate in the study and
were given a brief description of the stated purpose for the thesis project. Participants
who agreed to participate were asked to be interviewed in a private room setting inside
their home when it was available. After a private setting was in place, the interpreter gave
a brief description of the purpose of the study, then the Khmer version consent form was
read to participants. Afterwards, a request was made to record the subject’s responses by
using a tape-recorder. All participants agreed to be tape-recorded and they were asked to
sign their names as an agreement to participate in the study and to be tape-recorded.
The interpreter and the researcher conducted a forty-five minute interview with
the participants. First, the Geriatric Depression Scale was conducted followed by the
social isolation interview guide. The interpreter read both instruments in the Khmer
version and marked the responses while the researcher followed the English version by
also marking the appropriate responses in order to correspond with the Khmer version.
Data Analysis
The recorded tapes of both Geriatric Depression Scale and Interview Guide were
translated and transcribed by the researcher. Once the information was obtained from the
tapes, the researcher analyzed and categorized all the responses of the participants.
The study method of this study is qualitative in nature; therefore, the researcher
searched for general themes and patterns of all responses from the participants. For
example, significant responses, quotes, affect, and comments from the participants were
incorporated as well in order to analyze the nature of the responses. Also, similarities and
differences were categorized and analyzed in order to emphasize significant themes,
patterns, and conceptual characteristics of the respondents.
When analyzing the GDS scores, the researcher included data such as frequency
distributions, cross tabulations, and percentages. Both the GDS scores and data from
participants’ statements concerning the questions helped the researcher to explore the
level and depth of depression among the Cambodian elderly.
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