(532) Validation of the Delivery Trauma Scale for evaluation of emotional burden secondary to birth

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of the Delivery Trauma Scale (revised City Birth Trauma Scale) in a U.S. population. The aim is to determine if this questionnaire is appropriate for use in assessing emotional burden secondary to birth (previously referred to as postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder) in the target population and to propose a new name for the questionnaire that better suits the birth and postpartum stress response.

Study Design: The study conducted is a methodological non-interventional study aimed at establishing the validity and reliability of a scale to assess delivery-related trauma. In the first stage of the study, face validity and content validity were established via expert review of the individual items on the questionnaire and subsequent content validity index analysis. The questionnaire was then administered to women in the postpartum period at least 18 years of age who has delivered an infant within the past 12 months. The construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated via statistical analysis using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results: The initial review of the questionnaire by experts resulted in a content validity index of 1. This can be interpreted as every question being appropriate for and relevant to the evaluation of emotional burden secondary to birth. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was calculated to be 0.898 (Bootstrap 95% CI 0.82-0.93) indicating a very high degree of internal consistency within the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis showed statistical significance of all symptom categories (p< 0.001) with the exception of the category of negative symptoms (Table 1).

Conclusion: The Delivery Trauma Scale is validated for use in assessment of emotional burden secondary to birth in a U.S. population, though it should be used cautiously in evaluation for negative symptoms. Overall, the DTS is a promising tool that can be used in the postpartum period to identify patients who may benefit from additional mental health resources and support.