Applying Participatory Design Mixed-Methods Approaches to Refine Twitter-Based Social Support Interventions for African Americans and Hispanic Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Abstract

We applied mixed-methods to refine our first version of the Twitter message library (English 400, translated into Spanish 400) for African Americans and Hispanic family caregivers for a person with dementia. We conducted a series of expert panels to collect quantitative and qualitative data using surveys and in-depth interviews. Using mixed methods to ensure unbiased results, the panelists first independently scored them (1 message/5 panelist) on a scale of 1 to 4 (1: lowest, 4: highest), followed by in-depth interviews and group discussions. Survey results showed that the average score was 3.47, indicating good to excellent (SD 0.35, ranges from 1.8 to 4). Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews showed different results in emotional support messages.