Assessing Motherhood: Study evaluates Psychometric Validation of Childbirth Experiences
The focus of the research presented was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) among Chinese postpartum women. Recent study emphasized the importance of positive childbirth experiences in promoting mental health among new mothers. It highlighted the significance of developing valid and reliable tools like the QACE to assess and enhance postpartum care.
Tool Validation
Various tools have been created to assess childbirth experiences, with the QACE standing out due to its comprehensive nature and ease of completion compared to other instruments. The study aimed to translate and validate a Chinese version of the QACE (C-QACE) to cater to Chinese postnatal women. The research methodology involved a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 235 Chinese postpartum women recruited from a tertiary hospital in Sichuan province.
QACE Components
The QACE includes 13 items divided into four subscales: emotional status, relationship with staff, first moments with the newborn, and feelings at one month postpartum. A 4-point Likert scale was used for scoring, with higher scores indicating a more negative childbirth experience. The study employed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively.
Data Analysis
Data analysis involved item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), known-groups discriminant validity, and testing internal consistency. Results indicated good discrimination and homogeneity within the Chinese-QACE items. The CFA demonstrated a good fit for the modified four-factor model of the QACE.
Correlation Findings
The findings suggested a positive correlation between QACE scores and EPDS/GAD-7 scores, supporting the tool's divergent validity. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients above 0.6, demonstrating the reliability of the C-QACE.
Study Limitations
The study acknowledged limitations, such as the focus on a single hospital and the limited test-retest reliability assessment. Recommendations included future research with larger sample sizes and exploring the tool's applicability across diverse populations in China.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the research established that the Chinese-QACE is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing maternal childbirth experiences among Chinese postpartum women. The study findings contribute to enhancing postpartum care and could aid in identifying women at risk of negative childbirth experiences for targeted interventions.
Key Points
- Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) among Chinese postpartum women to promote mental health in new mothers.
- Translation and validation of a Chinese version of the QACE (C-QACE) with 13 items divided into four subscales: emotional status, relationship with staff, first moments with the newborn, and feelings at one month postpartum.
- Data analysis techniques included item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), known-groups discriminant validity, and assessing internal consistency, showing good discrimination and homogeneity within C-QACE items.
- Positive correlation found between C-QACE scores and depressive/anxiety symptoms scores (EPDS/GAD-7), supporting divergent validity and demonstrating acceptable internal consistency reliability.
- Study limitations acknowledged, such as single-hospital focus and limited test-retest reliability assessment, recommending future research with larger sample sizes and exploring the tool's applicability across diverse populations in China.
- Concluded that the Chinese-QACE is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing maternal childbirth experiences among Chinese postpartum women, contributing to enhancing postpartum care and facilitating targeted interventions for women at risk of negative childbirth experiences.
Reference –
Xiaoying Zhong et al. (2025). Psychometric Properties Of The Questionnaire For Assessing The Childbirth Experience In A Chinese Sample Of Postpartum Women. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07659-0.
