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 postpartum 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.