Validation of the Persian version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in Iranian Women

The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian versionof the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression(EPDS) among Iranian mothers in postpartum period.

This secondary analysis examines 200 Iranian mothers registered to receive prenatal care in health centers in Kerman, Iran. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling method. The reliability (Cronbach’s α coefficient), construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were assessed. Model fit index (e.g., the root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]), the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), and the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) were calculated.

The overall Cronbach’s α was estimated at 0.70 with subscales ranging from 0.70 to 0.88. EFA identified three factors with extractable eigenvalue >1.00, which accounted for 62% of the total variance. The eigenvalues of the first three factors were 4.11, 1.09, and 1.012. The first factor, labeled "anhedonia", contained items 1 and 2. The second factor, labeled "anxiety", consisted of items 3, 4, and 5, which explain 19.61 of variance. The last factor, labeled "depression", contained items 7, 8, 9, and 10. Item 8 loaded equally on anhedonia and depression factors. The screen plot also suggested three factors. In addition, CFA verified the model extracted from the EFA. The three-factor model displayed an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.06, p=0.001).

The results of EFA, CFA, and internal consistency revealed that the Persian version of 10-item EPDS instrument was valid and reliable, and can be used to screen and identify Iranian mothers with anxiety and depression in postpartum period.