Psychometric evaluation of the birth trauma scale among Iranian women

Birth-related psychological trauma refers to mental health disorders resulting from negative experiences during labor and delivery, and it can negatively affect the mother's mental health, family relationships, and even child development. Objective: This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Birth Trauma Scale among Iranian women. Methods: This study involved 311 women, 4 to 8 weeks postpartum, selected through cluster random sampling from August 2024 to December 2025. The validity of the Birth Trauma Scale was assessed in five stages: content validity and face validity (both quantitatively and qualitatively), structural validity using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability determined through internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results: In this study, the Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio of the Birth Trauma Scale were 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. The tool's four-factor structure in the exploratory factor analysis explained 59% of the variance. The model's fit indices in the confirmatory factor analysis supported its validity (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.078, Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.98, Comparative Fit Index = 0.98, normed chi-square= 3.9). Furthermore, Cronbach's alpha was 0.91, and the intra-class correlation coefficient with a 95% confidence interval was 0.88 (0.75 to 0.95). Conclusions: The Persian version of the Birth Trauma Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating psychological birth trauma in the Iranian population. Code number: IR.TBZMED.REC.1402.945