Psychometric Properties of Newly Translated Creole Perceived Stress Scale and Daily Hassles Scale

Abstract

Background: Mothers with postpartum stress have increased maternal/infant morbidity and mortality. Haitians, a growing minority excluded from most studies because of the lack of instruments in Creole. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Daily Hassles Scale (DHS) measuring stress are not available in Creole. Purpose: To test the psychometrics of the newly translated Creole instruments. Methods: A convenience sample of 85 Haitian mothers completed 2 instruments in Creole and English, 2 weeks apart using the process of cross-cultural adaptation. Result: Internal consistency reliability and stability were strong for both instruments (.80–.94). Reliability and validity support the translated Creole with this sample of Creole speaking mothers. Conclusion: Psychometric findings suggest the newly translated versions are good representations of the English versions and are ready for use.