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

PURPOSE The 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 METHODS The study consisted of two groups of 100 first‐trimester Korean women recruited from maternity clinics in Korea. FINDINGS The 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 IMPLICATIONS Healthcare providers should test the psychometric properties of tools for screening accuracy, clinical decision‐making, and understanding of a phenomenon within different cultural settings.