Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Version of the Population Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (podlis): a Web-Based Survey in Saudi Arabia

Background Proper knowledge about postpartum depression (PPD) will help recognize symptoms and encourage women to seek the needed professional help. Until now, there has been a scarcity of research on the literacy level of PPD among the Saudi population and the factors affecting it. This study translated the Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (PoDLiS) into Arabic and evaluated its psychometric properties. Furthermore, the Saudi population’s mental health literacy for PPD and the factors associated with it were examined as a secondary objective. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 2,336 participants selected via convenience sampling from all over Saudi Arabia, all of whom willingly agreed to participate. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire using Google Forms, covering sociodemographic characteristics and the Arabic PoDLiS. Results The Arabic version of PoDLiS showed acceptable goodness-of-fit between the observed data and the resulting six-factor solution, RMSEA = 0.049, 90% confidence interval RMSEA (0.010–0.050), pCLOSE = 0.742, CFI = 0.962, TLI = 0.940, χ2(270) = 1576.12, p -value = 0.742. The total Cronbach’s alpha (α) of the PoDLiS showed acceptable internal consistency, measuring at 0.742. High literacy was seen in married and young participants with a postgraduate degree and sufficient household income who have known someone with PPD. Significantly lower literacy was seen in male, non-Saudi participants and those residing in the central and northern regions of Saudi Arabia. Conclusions The Arabic version of the PoDLiS showed good psychometric properties, and it can be used to assess PPD literacy among perinatal women and to examine the impact of PPD awareness programs. Despite reporting relatively good PPD literacy in the Saudi population, there is a persistent gap in participants’ beliefs about available professional help and the attitudes that facilitate recognizing PPD. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing public education campaigns to improve overall knowledge about PPD and promote prevention, early recognition, and treatment of PPD.