Establishing a coherent and replicable measurement model of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Martin, Colin R.; Redshaw, Maggie

Abstract

© 2018 The Authors The 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is an established screening tool for postnatal depression. Inconsistent findings in factor structure and replication difficulties have limited the scope of development of the measure as a multi-dimensional tool. The current investigation sought to robustly determine the underlying factor structure of the EPDS and the replicability and stability of the most plausible model identified. A between-subjects design was used. EPDS data were collected postpartum from two independent cohorts using identical data capture methods. Datasets were examined with confirm atory factor analysis, model invariance testing and systematic evaluation of relational and internal aspects of the measure. Participants were two samples of postpartum women in England assessed at three months (n = 245) and six months (n = 217). The findings showed a three-factor seven-item model of the EPDS offered an excellent fit to the data, and was observed to be replicable in both datasets and invariant as a function of time point of assessment. Some EPDS sub-scale scores were significantly higher at six months. The EPDS is multi-dimensional and a robust measurement model comprises three factors that are replicable. The potential utility of the sub-scale components identified requires further research to identify a role in contemporary screening practice.

Citation

Martin, C. R., & Redshaw, M. (2018). Establishing a coherent and replicable measurement model of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Psychiatry research, 264, 182-191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.062

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 22, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Mar 23, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 8, 2018
• Journal: Psychiatry Research
• Print ISSN: 0165-1781
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 264
• Pages: 182-191
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.062
• Keywords: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; EPDS; Factor structure; Validity; Psychometrics
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/866576
• Contract Date: Jun 6, 2018