Validation of the Czech version of the Perinatal Grief Scale

Abstract

Aim: To translate the Perinatal Grief Scale questionnaire (short version) into the Czech language, assess its reliability and validate its use for measuring perinatal grief intensity in the Czech Republic. Design: A validation study. Methods: The Perinatal Grief Scale was, with the authors' consent, translated using the translation/back translation method. The focus group translation method was used for the final version of the translation. This version was tested on a group of 87 women who experienced perinatal loss in the Czech Republic between 2007 and 2013. The Czech short version of the Perinatal Grief Scale (CzSVPGS) was validated using exploration and confirmation factor analysis while its reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Psychosocial correlations of the CzSVPGS were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: We found that the CzSVPGS may be used as a single factor scale while maintaining all elements of the original scale. The unrotated solution of the exploration factor analysis estimated a strong factor (60.5% of total variance) that has a satisfactory burden in all 33 items. The reliability of this research tool as measured by Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.9545) was high. Conclusion: We recommend that the CzSVPGS is used to objectivize grief intensity in women after perinatal loss and to identify high-risk women who are more vulnerable so that the healthcare system could help them.