Validity and reliability of an Arabic‐language version of the postpartum specific anxiety scale research short‐form in Jordan.

Objective: The English‐language Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS) is a valid, reliable measure for postpartum anxiety (PPA), but its 51‐item length is a limitation. Consequently, the PSAS Working Group developed the PSAS Research Short‐Form (PSAS‐RSF), a statistically robust 16‐item tool that effectively assesses PPA. This study aimed to assess and validate the reliability of an Arabic‐language version of the PSAS‐RSF in Jordan (PSAS‐JO‐RSF). Methods: Using a cross‐sectional methodological design, a sample of Arabic‐speaking mothers (N = 391) with infants aged up to 6 months were recruited via convenience sampling from a prominent tertiary hospital in northern Jordan. Factor analysis, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), McDonald's ω, and inter‐item correlation measures were all examined. Results: Explanatory factor analysis revealed a four‐factor model consistent with the English‐language version of the PSAS‐RSF, explaining a cumulative variance of 61.5%. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the good fit of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF (χ2/df = 1.48, CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA = 0.039, SRMR = 0.019, p < 0.001). The four factors demonstrated acceptable to good reliability, with McDonald's ω ranging from 0.778 to 0.805, with 0.702 for the overall scale. The CR and AVE results supported the validity and reliability of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF. Conclusion: This study establishes an Arabic‐language version of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF as a valid and reliable scale for screening postpartum anxieties in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]