Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in an Iranian sample

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Abstract
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 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.