Development and psychometric properties of the Pandemic-Related Postpartum Stress Scale (PREPS-PP)

Abstract

Purpose

Postpartum experiences have been adversely affected by the burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are no well-tested measures of pandemic-specific postpartum stress. We developed a modified, postpartum version of the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS) and examined the psychometric properties of this novel measure.

Methods

Online questionnaires were administered at 3–4 month intervals throughout pregnancy and postpartum to women pregnant at the start of the pandemic. This study reports psychometric properties of the Pandemic-Related Postpartum Stress Scale (PREPS-PP) among women who were administered this instrument at either of two postpartum timepoints.

Results

At both timepoints (n = 1301 and n = 1009), CFAs revealed good model fit of the same three-factor structure identified for the prenatal PREPS (Preparedness Stress, Infection Stress, and Positive Appraisal). All PREPS-PP subscales demonstrated good reliability (α’s .78–87). Higher levels of Preparedness Stress and Infection Stress were associated with greater health and financial burdens and psychological distress.

Conclusions

The PREPS-PP is a reliable and valid measure of postpartum stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a valuable tool for future research into how pandemic-related postpartum stress may affect families in the short- and long-term.

Keywords:

• Postpartum
• stress
• COVID-19 pandemic
• psychometrics
• pandemic-related pregnancy stress scale

Disclosure statement

Brittain Mahaffey received support from the National Institutes of Health Grant K23HD092888 during preparation of this article. Heidi Preis and Marci Lobel received support from National Institutes of Health Grant R21DA049827 during preparation of this article. Otherwise, the authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by a Stony Brook University Office of the Vice President for Research and Institute for Engineering-Driven Medicine COVID-19 Seed Grant.