Abstract:
Background: Pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA) is a specific type of anxiety that can occur
during the perinatal period. PrA has negative impacts on childbirth. Pregnancy-related Anxiety
Questionnaire-Revised 2 (PRAQ-R2) is one of the most frequently used instruments to assess
PrA. Considering its ability to assess PrA in pregnant mothers, PRAQ-R2 will be a worthy
questionnaire to be validated in Sri Lankan setting for future usage.
Objectives: To validate the Sinhala version of PRAQ-R2.
Methods: A validation study was conducted among a consecutive sample of 111 mothers who
attended the antenatal clinics in the Akmeemana MOH area in Galle district, Sri Lanka. The
PRAQ-R2 was translated to Sinhala using the standard translation/back-translation method.
Content and face validity were evaluated. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s
alpha and test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To
assess concurrent validity, along with the PRAQ-R2, previously validated Sinhala version of
Pregnancy Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) was administered. Concurrent validity was
evaluated by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients.
Results: The participants were aged between 24-29 years (n=42, 37.8%). There were 39.6%
(n=44) of primi mothers. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency (α=0.87)
and that indicates the questionnaire has a consistent structure. The ICC (with a 95% confidence
interval) was 0.997, showing consistent results if the test was repeated. Based on the expert
opinion, the modified 12 items of the Sinhala version of the PRAQ-R2 questionnaire were clear,
understandable, and related to the Sri Lankan culture. Significant correlation between the scores
of PRAQ-R2 and PASS scales showing a high concurrent validity (r=0.745, p<0.001) and that
indicates both scales measured similar constructs.
Conclusions: The Sinhala translation of the PRAQ-R2 is a valid and reliable instrument to
assess PrA among women in Sri Lanka.
