Validity and Reliability of the Lederman Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (Pseq) in Brazil

Abstract Background: The Lederman Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (PSEQ) is used to assess psychosocial adaptation to pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and maternity. The PSEQ is a tool used in various countries and has been translated into Portuguese; however, it needs to be validated in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of the PSEQ for Brazilian pregnant women. Method: This methodological validity study investigated the internal consistency and reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Construct validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation between the domains and confirmatory factor analysis. To assess the concurrent validity, the Pearson’s correlation between the PSEQ and Prenatal Psychosocial Profile-Portuguese Version (PPP-VP) was determined. Results: This study included 399 pregnant women from the northeastern region of Brazil. The internal consistency and reliability of the total PSEQ score were high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95). Validity analysis showed positive and significant correlations between all PSEQ domains, ranging from 0.14 to 0.56. Confirmation factor analysis demonstrated the following values of goodness of fit: RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.08, CFI = 0.61, x²/df = 1.77. The discriminant and concurrent validities of the PSEQ were confirmed. The level of significance was set at 5%. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of the PSEQ has adequate psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the psychosocial adaptation to pregnancy in Brazilian pregnant women.