Development and Validation of an Antenatal Screening Proforma for Psychosocial Concerns in Indian Women

Pregnant women are at increased risk for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, influenced by multiple psychosocial factors. The current study aimed to develop and validate a proforma for screening psychosocial concerns in Indian pregnant women.

This study used a mixed-methods design. In Phase 1, a detailed literature review and in-depth interviews with nine pregnant women at a private hospital in India were conducted, leading to the development of a preliminary draft of the proforma to understand the psychosocial concerns of pregnant women. In Phase 2, the proforma was validated by six subject matter experts in perinatal care. Content validation of the proforma was calculated using the item content validity index and the modified kappa (k*) statistic.

Thematic analysis identified three major themes: Informed choice about pregnancy, navigating the journey of pregnancy, and social support. These themes and other major psychosocial risk factors, derived from an extensive literature review, guided the development of the screening proforma. All items in the screening proforma met the criteria for relevance and simplicity; however, two items required revision for clarity. After the necessary revisions, the final screening proforma consisted of eight domains and 20 items.

Screening pregnant women using a psychosocial proforma during routine antenatal checkups facilitates timely referrals to mental health professionals, thereby promoting holistic, and culturally sensitive maternal care.