Psychometric Evaluation of the Urdu Version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for Postnatal Women in Pakistan

Postnatal depression isone of the most significant public health concerns. The present study was designed to translate and validate Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in Urdu. In phase 1, the EPDS was translated and in Phase 2, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were run and concurrent validity was established. Two independent samples for exploratory factor analysis ( N =230)and confirmatory factor analysis ( N =335) of women, aged between 18 and 50 years, within 42-84 days postpartum, who gave birth to their babies at clinics and hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan were recruited. Demographic datasheet, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised were used to collect data. A two-factor structure was retained. Significant correlations were found between scores on EPDS and its subscales with the scores on Birth Satisfaction Scale- Revised. It was concluded that the Urdu version of the EPDS has promising psychometric properties.