Factor structure and internal consistency of Oriya version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Abstract

Background: 'Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale' (EPDS) is a widely used screening instrument for assessing peripartal depression. To utilize it for Oriya-speaking population, we translated the scale and studied its internal consistency and factor structure. Materials and Methods: Consenting Oriya-speaking pregnant women attending antenatal checkup during second or third trimester were administered the translated EPDS. Internal consistency analysis (Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation) and exploratory factor analysis (principal component analysis) with varimax rotation were carried out to identify factor structure. Results: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the scale was found to be 0.81, whereas principal component analysis revealed a three-factor solution that accounted for 87.61% of the total variance. The factors included 'cognitive depression,' 'somatic depression,' and 'anxiety factor,' with a percentage of variance being 41.18%, 28.09%, and 18.33%, respectively. Conclusion: The translated Oriya EPDS is a reliable scale with adequate internal consistency and three-dimensional factor structures.