Validation of the Slovak version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ), version A

Abstract

AIM: This study aimed to assess the psychometric characteristics of the Slovak translation of the version A of Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (SW-DEQ) among healthy Slovak pregnant women. METHOD: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the SW-DEQ was performed. Several coeffi cients of internal consistency were employed for the whole scale as well as for separate factors. Concurrent/convergent validity was assessed by correlation analysis of the overall SW-DEQ score with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Eysenck Personality Inventory-subscales Neuroticism and Extraversion, as well as with adjusted versions of Beck Depression Inventory and Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. EFA yielded seven factors: 'lack of composure', 'negative appraisal', 'lack of self-effi cacy', 'lack of positive anticipation', 'fear and hopelessness', 'loneliness', and 'concern for the child'. RESULTS: The Cronbach's α of the whole scale was.93, while for the separate factors, it ranged between.68 and.87. The sum score of SW-DEQ correlated weakest with extraversion (in nulliparous women) and locus of control (in multiparous women), and strongest with trait anxiety (in both groups). CONCLUSIONS: The Slovak version could be considered a valid and reliable measure of fear of childbirth among pregnant Slovak women. However, the dimensional structure of the measure warrants further confi rmation (Tab. 7, Ref. 33). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.