Elsevier

Psychiatry Research

Volume 264, June 2018, Pages 182-191
Psychiatry Research

Establishing a coherent and replicable measurement model of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.062Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Standard factor analytic methods were used to explore the measure structure.

  • Using the same methods in a recent study with two groups of women it was possible to make direct comparisons between responses at key time points after birth.

  • A three factor model of the EPDS fitted the data best with both data sets.

  • The three factors identified could be used in screening practice and tested further in research studies.

Abstract

The 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is an established screening tool for postnatal depression. Inconsistent findings in factor structure and replication difficulties have limited the scope of development of the measure as a multi-dimensional tool. The current investigation sought to robustly determine the underlying factor structure of the EPDS and the replicability and stability of the most plausible model identified. A between-subjects design was used. EPDS data were collected postpartum from two independent cohorts using identical data capture methods. Datasets were examined with confirmatory factor analysis, model invariance testing and systematic evaluation of relational and internal aspects of the measure. Participants were two samples of postpartum women in England assessed at three months (n = 245) and six months (n = 217). The findings showed a three-factor seven-item model of the EPDS offered an excellent fit to the data, and was observed to be replicable in both datasets and invariant as a function of time point of assessment. Some EPDS sub-scale scores were significantly higher at six months. The EPDS is multi-dimensional and a robust measurement model comprises three factors that are replicable. The potential utility of the sub-scale components identified requires further research to identify a role in contemporary screening practice.

Keywords

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
EPDS
Factor structure
Validity
Psychometrics

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