Psychometric Properties of the Maternal Postpartum Stress Scale in Czech Mothers

BACKGROUND: Postpartum stress jeopardizes maternal well-being and infant development. The Maternal Postpartum Stress Scale (MPSS) was translated into Czech (CZ-MPSS) and its psychometric properties examined in mothers within 12 months postpartum. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey recruited 478 Czech-speaking women up to 12 months after childbirth (mean age, 31.2 ± 4.4 years). Participants completed the CZ-MPSS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Social Support Survey Instrument. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω t ), confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, divergent validity, and known-groups contrasts were calculated. RESULTS: The CZ-MPSS showed strong internal consistency (α = .88). The original three-factor structure fitted poorly (comparative fit index [CFI] = .69, root-mean-squared error of approximation [RMSEA] = .12), whereas an exploratory nine-factor solution achieved excellent fit (CFI = .99, RMSEA = .01). Divergent validity was supported by a moderate negative correlation with perceived social support ( r = −.47). Total stress was modestly higher in first-time mothers, after emergency cesarean section, and when infant health problems were present. CONCLUSIONS: The CZ-MPSS offers a reliable, valid, and clinically sensitive measure of postpartum stress for Czech mothers. Ongoing longitudinal research will further refine its factor stability and help calibrate practical cut-off scores for widespread application.