Validity and reliability of an Arabic‐language version of the postpartum specific anxiety scale research short‐form in Jordan

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe English‐language Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS) is a valid, reliable measure for postpartum anxiety (PPA), but its 51‐item length is a limitation. Consequently, the PSAS Working Group developed the PSAS Research Short‐Form (PSAS‐RSF), a statistically robust 16‐item tool that effectively assesses PPA. This study aimed to assess and validate the reliability of an Arabic‐language version of the PSAS‐RSF in Jordan (PSAS‐JO‐RSF).MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional methodological design, a sample of Arabic‐speaking mothers (N = 391) with infants aged up to 6 months were recruited via convenience sampling from a prominent tertiary hospital in northern Jordan. Factor analysis, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), McDonald's ω, and inter‐item correlation measures were all examined.ResultsExplanatory factor analysis revealed a four‐factor model consistent with the English‐language version of the PSAS‐RSF, explaining a cumulative variance of 61.5%. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the good fit of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF (χ2/df = 1.48, CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA = 0.039, SRMR = 0.019, p < 0.001). The four factors demonstrated acceptable to good reliability, with McDonald's ω ranging from 0.778 to 0.805, with 0.702 for the overall scale. The CR and AVE results supported the validity and reliability of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF.ConclusionThis study establishes an Arabic‐language version of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF as a valid and reliable scale for screening postpartum anxieties in Jordan.