Abstract

Background. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 7 to 20 percent of mothers. PPD is associated with significant emotional and social impairements that impact women, their children, and their partners. Interpersonal processes are central in the development and maintenance of PPD. Thus therapeutic benefit may be gained from the examination of the role that partners play in women’s depression. PPD still remains underdiagnosed and the 10-item Edinburgh Depression Scale (EPDS) is a screening tool for depression which has been used widely postnatally.

Purpose. The current investigation sought 1) to determine the structure of the underlying factors of the EPDS and Postpartum Social Support Questionnaire (PSSQ); and 2) to explore correlations between perceived social support, provided by a partner (spouse), and depression and anxiety.

Methods. The psychometric properties of the EPDS and PSSQ were evaluated in 1096 women. The study consisted of the translation of the EPDS and PSSQ, and the subsequent testing of the translated versions. Datasets were examined by using explorative and confirmatory factor analysis, model invariance testing and evaluation of relational and internal aspects of the measures.

Conclusions. The current investigations confirmed that a two-factor model of the EPDS offers an excellent fit for the data. The findings are consistent with previous investigations that have revealed the bi-dimensional (anxiety and depression) nature of the EPDS in postpartum. The potential utility of the identified the EPDS sub-scale components requires further research to identify its role in contemporary research and screening practice. The PSSQ yields similar factor loading patterns as observed in postpartum administration of the original PSSQ. Postpartum screening for anticipated postpartum support, a postpartum depression risk factor, may allow for early intervention.