Development and psychometric validation of the Indonesian versions of the Postpartum Blues and Maternal Self-Efficacy Scales

<ns3:p>Background Postpartum blues and low maternal self-efficacy are among the most frequently encountered psychological challenges that impact both maternal well-being and infant care. Although these conditions are prevalent, Indonesia currently lacks culturally adapted and validated instruments to measure them effectively. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Indonesian versions of the Postpartum Blues Questionnaire (PBQ-32) and the Maternal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (MSEQ-20). Methodology A cross-sectional psychometric approach was employed. The adaptation process involved forward and backwards translation, expert panel review, and cultural adjustment. A total of 30 postpartum mothers (within 3–10 days after childbirth) were selected through consecutive sampling. Content validity was examined using the Content Validity Index (CVI), while construct validity was assessed via exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Internal consistency reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability was assessed using Pearson’s correlation. Results The PBQ-32 demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.89), a six-factor structure explaining 68.4% of the variance, and excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.91). Similarly, the MSEQ-20 showed good internal consistency (α = 0.87), a four-factor structure accounting for 61.7% of the variance, and high test-retest reliability (r = 0.88). The CVI values for both instruments exceeded 0.89, indicating strong content validity. A significant negative correlation between postpartum blues and maternal self-efficacy (r = –0.72, p < 0.001) further supported the concurrent validity of the tools. Conclusion The Indonesian versions of the PBQ-32 and MSEQ-20 have demonstrated good psychometric properties and cultural relevance. Their use in clinical and community settings may support the early identification of psychological challenges during the postpartum period and inform appropriate maternal mental health interventions in Indonesia.</ns3:p>