Turkish version of the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale: A psychometric study

Abstract

Purpose To adapt the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS) into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties. Design and methods This cross-sectional study comprised of 400 pregnant women. The PrAS was translated using the methods of translation, back-translation, consensus meetings, and a trial of potential users. Then, its psychometric properties were evaluated by exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings The PrAS consists of 33 items. Following the exploratory factor analysis, the two items in the scale were discarded because factor loads were less than 0.50, therefore, the number of items decreased from 33 to 31. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the goodness-of-fit indices of the scale were found to be suitable. The internal consistency coefficient calculated for the reliability of the scale was .89. After correlating it with another scale for measuring pregnancy distress, the Turkish version of the PrAS shows discriminant validity. Practice implications The Turkish version of the PrAS is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to evaluate pregnancy-related-anxiety. The use of the PrAS in prenatal healthcare services will contribute to the early diagnosis, treatment, and management of pregnancy-related anxiety.