Factor structure, validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the Cambridge Worry Scale

To analyse the factor structure and reliability of the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS) in the Spanish population.

Prospective cross-sectional study using a postal questionnaire.

The study was conducted at a university hospital in Madrid between October 2007 and December 2008.

285 Spanish pregnant women.

Factor structure of a Spanish version (original 16 items test and reduced 13 items version) of the scale was analysed through exploratory factor analysis.

The Spanish version of the reduced 13 items version replicated the original factor structure. The internal consistency was good for the total scale (0.83) and for the subscales (0.70-0.79). Significant positive correlations between the CWS and its subscales with anxiety, depression and neuroticism were found. Similarly, acceptable to good reliability and convergent validity indexes were obtained for the original 16 items test.

The present study confirmed the validity of the two Spanish versions of the CWS (16 item and reduced 13 item). Considering the performance of two of the three items eliminated from the original version and the universality in the use of the short version we recommend the use of the reduced 13 item scale. Practical implications of the use of the CWS in maternity care are discussed.