Validity and reliability study of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale into Turkish

Several instruments have been developed for the assessment of distress (stress, anxiety, depression) in pregnancy. The Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) is a useful instrument for the evaluation of distress in pregnant women. There are no validated instruments for the evaluation of distress in pregnant women in the Turkish language. The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the TPDS demonstrated good comprehensibility, internal consistency and validity, and is an adequate and useful instrument for the evaluation of distress in Turkish pregnant women. TPDS enables to practitioners determine distress in pregnant women in the early periods by practitioners. Assessment of distress levels of pregnant women constitutes an important area for both midwives and mental health nursing. AbstractThis study was conducted to adapt the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) into Turkish and test its validity and reliability. The study was conducted in six Family Health Center regions in the province of Kars between 20 February and 10 April 2013. A total of 275 pregnant women, who met the study criteria and agreed to participate in the study, constituted the sample group of the study. For validity and reliability analysis of the scale, content validity analysis, explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used. It was found that the two-factor structure of the scale was valid and its fit indices were appropriate. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.83. The cut-off point of the scale was specified as 28 for its total score. As a consequence, the adaptation of the TPDS into Turkish was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement instrument. Assessment of distress levels of pregnant women constitutes an important area for both midwives and mental health nursing.