Psychometric properties of psychosocial dimensions associated with postpartum depression

The aim of the study was psychometric properties of a questionnaire for assessing psychosocial dimensions associated with postpartum depression (PAPP).

Initial form of the questionnaire for assessing PAPP was developed based on the results of a qualitative study. Principal component analysis was used to determine the construct validity, as well as Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Construct validity, predictability of the questionnaire, and confirmatory factor analysis were evaluated in a longitudinal study on 303 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Also, using Edinburgh postnatal depression scale, the level of depression was evaluated 6 weeks after childbirth.

Exploratory factor analysis led to a 47-item questionnaire with five dimensions and confirmed that five factors determined 42.31% variance. Cronbach's alpha was 0.851 for the total score of questionnaire and for the factors, ranged from 0.84 to 0.92. ICC of total was 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.93). Analyzing the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 47 items questionnaire had a good construct validity (CMIN/DF = 2.01, p = 0.122). The level of the PAPP in women suffered from postpartum depression was higher than women without postpartum depression (odds ratio = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02, p = 0.001). A cut-off score of 42 provided the best sensitivity (0.75) and specificity (0.50) for PAPP.

The psychometric properties of the PAPP showed an appropriate validity and reliability, and it may applicable to predict of at risk pregnant women for postpartum depression who seeking antenatal care services.