The Portuguese version of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-Short Form

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the short form of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale in Southern Brazil. Research volunteers completed the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-Short Form (PDSS-SF) and a Structured Clinical Interview for Mental Disorders (SCID). Evaluation parameters included reliability and correlational investigations analyses. The proposed Portuguese version of the PDSS-SF attained significant Cronbach’s alphas (0.71 or superior). The best cut-off score (≥17) accounted for 89% of sensitivity and 77% of specificity. In addition, nonparametric correlation procedures revealed a significant correlation between the screening results of the PDSS-SF and the assessment based on the SCID. The Portuguese version of the PDSS-SF demonstrated sound psychometric properties. The results of the correlation analyses between the PDSS-SF and the SCID assessment also indicate a significant concurrent validity. The Portuguese version of the PDSS was adequately translated and adapted to Portuguese.