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Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in an Iranian sample
1Neuroscience Department, Research Center of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. mazhas01@student.uwa.edu.au
Background:
Considering the adverse effects of postpartum depression on both mother and infant, a screening instrument for early diagnosis seems to be of importance.
Aims:
To assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) on a sample of Iranian postpartum women.
Method:
The EPDS was translated and back-translated in the standard method. The questionnaire was completed by 600 postpartum women. Hundred cases with an EPDS score of > or =9 and 100 cases with an EPDS of <9 were randomly selected for interview. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and receiver operating characteristics were calculated by comparing the EPDS sum score against the DSM-IV diagnoses. The correlation coefficient of the EPDS score with GHQ-12 score was calculated. Principal component analysis and internal consistency were assessed.
Results:
The best cutoff scores for major depression were 12/13 with a sensitivity and specificity of 95.3% and 87.9%, respectively. The correlation coefficient of the total score of the Persian version of EPDS with the GHQ-12 total score was 0.76 (P < 0.001). A two-factor solution was selected as the most appropriate model based on both values and the score plot. The coefficient alpha for the whole scale was 0.83.
Conclusion:
The Persian version of EPDS is a reliable and valid measure for detecting postpartum depression. Furthermore, it seems acceptable to patients and a valid screening instrument for depression in postpartum women.