The Portuguese version of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-Short Form

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the short form of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale in Southern Brazil.

Material & methods: Research volunteers completed the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-Short Form (PDSS-SF) and a Structured Clinical Interview for Mental Disorders (SCID). Evaluation parameters included reliability and correlational investigations analyses.

Results: The proposed Portuguese version of the PDSS-SF attained significant Cronbach's alphas (0.71 or superior). The best cut-off score (≥17) accounted for 89% of sensitivity and 77% of specificity. In addition, nonparametric correlation procedures revealed a significant correlation between the screening results of the PDSS-SF and the assessment based on the SCID.

Conclusions: The Portuguese version of the PDSS-SF demonstrated sound psychometric properties. The results of the correlation analyses between the PDSS-SF and the SCID assessment also indicate a significant concurrent validity. The Portuguese version of the PDSS was adequately translated and adapted to Portuguese.