A Protocol for the International Translation and Validation of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale for Preterm Birth [PSAS-PTB] and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [PSAS-NICU] Contexts

Date de l’article 2 mars 2026
Worrall S, Fallon V, Christiansen P, Khalil A, Spencer R, Fresno A, Wormald F, Nakić Radoš S, Katušić A, Kostović M, Azim Aburas K, Moussa S, Wendland J, Crivano GM, Yahiaoui A, Stenzel N, Payne E, Wittkowski A, Mirghafourvand M, Mashayekh-Amiri S, Yatziv T, Gueron-Sela N, Bramante A, Ionio C, Ciuffo G, Jarašiūnaitė-Fedosejeva G, Gibė E, Stankevičienė V, SaadAdeen S, Moreira H, Caiado B, Rebega OL, Aparicio-García ME, Costas-Ramón N, Cárdaba-García RM, Kariyawasam A, Maduwanthi M, Thilakarathne R, Silverio SA; Global Consortium for Perinatal Psychometrics.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the process for the translation and validation of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale-Preterm Birth [PSAS-PTB] and the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale-Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [PSAS-NICU].

Methods: We outline a four-stage process for translation and validation of the 10-item PSAS-PTB and the 16-item PSAS-NICU.

Results: The protocol outlines a multi-stage translation and validation process, including (1) independent forward translation, (2) independent back translation, (3) final approval following review, and (4) validity and reliability study.

Conclusions: Culturally and contextually relevant assessment of postpartum anxiety is vital, particularly in vulnerable populations. Following standardised procedures will support broader applicability across diverse populations, providing a reliable self-report tool for both research and clinical use.

Keywords: NICU; cross‐cultural validity; postpartum anxiety; preterm birth; psychometrics; translation.