The Psychometric Validation of the EPDS-K Among Korean Women: Does It Only Measure Depressive Symptoms?

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-Korean (EPDS-K) and compare the specified models (one-, two-, three-factor model, and a model in the current study) in pregnant, first-trimester Korean women. DESIGN AND METHODSThe study consisted of two groups of 100 first-trimester Korean women recruited from maternity clinics in Korea. FINDINGSThe results show that the EPDS-K has depression, anxiety, and anhedonia factors, and that the validity of the EPDS-K with Korean women is questionable. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONSHealthcare providers should test the psychometric properties of tools for screening accuracy, clinical decision-making, and understanding of a phenomenon within different cultural settings.