Validation of the Lithuanian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
Depression is prevalent postpartum and is a major health problem. OBJECTIVE. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how precise the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is in screening for depressive disorders postpartum. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A random sample of 94 women was interviewed two weeks postpartum using the Composite International Diagnostics Interview Short-Form (CIDI-SF). In addition, they filled in the EPDS. We evaluated (a) internal consistency of the EPDS by the means of Cronbach's alpha coefficient; (b) area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity of the EPDS against the CIDI-SF diagnoses of depressive disorders. RESULTS. The internal consistency of the EPDS was 0.83. The optimal cutoff score of the EPDS for screening CIDI-SF diagnoses of depressive disorders was found to be 7 and more with an area under the ROC curve of 0.83, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 73%. CONCLUSIONS. The EPDS has a good reliability as a screening instrument, and a cutoff score of 7 and more has to be used in screening for postpartum depressive disorders.
Bunevicius
Adomas
A
Mokyklos 4, 53216 Garliava, Lithuania. a.bunevicius@yahoo.com
Kusminskas
Laima
L
Bunevicius
Robertas
R
D000328:Adult; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008097:Lithuania; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D012372:ROC Curve; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors