Validation of the Slovak version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ), version A

This study aimed to assess the psychometric characteristics of the Slovak translation of the version A of Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (SW-DEQ) among healthy Slovak pregnant women.

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the SW-DEQ was performed. Several coefficients of internal consistency were employed for the whole scale as well as for separate factors. Concurrent/convergent validity was assessed by correlation analysis of the overall SW-DEQ score with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Eysenck Personality Inventory - subscales Neuroticism and Extraversion, as well as with adjusted versions of Beck Depression Inventory and Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. EFA yielded seven factors: 'lack of composure', 'negative appraisal', 'lack of self-efficacy', 'lack of positive anticipation', 'fear and hopelessness', 'loneliness', and 'concern for the child'.

The Cronbach's α of the whole scale was .93, while for the separate factors, it ranged between .68 and .87. The sum score of SW-DEQ correlated weakest with extraversion (in nulliparous women) and locus of control (in multiparous women), and strongest with trait anxiety (in both groups).

The Slovak version could be considered a valid and reliable measure of fear of childbirth among pregnant Slovak women. However, the dimensional structure of the measure warrants further confirmation (Tab. 7, Ref. 33).