Psychometric Analysis of the Arabic Translation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support

Background: Social support has been related to postpartum depression (PPD) among immigrant women. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) has been translated to Arabic (MSPSS-AW) but not validated among postpartum women. Purpose: To further replicate and refine the already existing MSPSS-AW to determine: (a) reliability and construct validity of the MSPSS-AW in immigrant Arab American post-partum women, and (b) relationship of dimensions of social support and PPD. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 115 Arab American immigrant postpartum women completed demographic questionnaire, MSPSS-AW, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis replicated three- factor model for social support (Family, Friends, and Husband). Internal consistency reliability coefficients for the three subscales ranged from .65 to .79. The MSPSS-AW subscales were related to PPD symptoms controlling for years of education, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy. Conclusion: The MSPSS-AW is reliable and valid for use with immigrant Arab American postpartum women.