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Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in an Iranian sample

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Summary

Background: Considering the adverse effects of postpartum depression on both mother and infant, a screening instrument for early diagnosis seems to be of importance.

Aims: To assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) on a sample of Iranian postpartum women.

Method: The EPDS was translated and back-translated in the standard method. The questionnaire was completed by 600 postpartum women. Hundred cases with an EPDS score of ≥9 and 100 cases with an EPDS of <9 were randomly selected for interview. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and receiver operating characteristics were calculated by comparing the EPDS sum score against the DSM-IV diagnoses. The correlation coefficient of the EPDS score with GHQ-12 score was calculated. Principal component analysis and internal consistency were assessed.

Results: The best cutoff scores for major depression were 12/13 with a sensitivity and specificity of 95.3% and 87.9%, respectively. The correlation coefficient of the total score of the Persian version of EPDS with the GHQ-12 total score was 0.76 (P < 0.001). A two-factor solution was selected as the most appropriate model based on both values and the score plot. The coefficient alpha for the whole scale was 0.83.

Conclusion: The Persian version of EPDS is a reliable and valid measure for detecting postpartum depression. Furthermore, it seems acceptable to patients and a valid screening instrument for depression in postpartum women.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroscience Department, Research Center of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

    S. Mazhari & N. Nakhaee

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  1. S. Mazhari
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  2. N. Nakhaee
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Correspondence: Shahrzad Mazhari, M.D., Neuroscience Department, Research Center of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Jomhoori Islamic Blvd, P.O. Box 67175-113, Kerman, Iran

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Mazhari, S., Nakhaee, N. Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in an Iranian sample. Arch Womens Ment Health 10, 293–297 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-007-0204-x

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