The rate of PND across cultures has been found to be similar in many studies. Some researchers, however, have argued that those cultures which have close family networks and prescribed rituals around childbirth will have less, or even no, rates of PND. Our unit undertook to validate a Chinese version of the EPDS for use with women from this background in Australia. The methodology used was that prescribed in other centres, namely back translation of the EPDS, and the use of a structured diagnostic interview (DIS) to determine caseness at 6-8 weeks postpartum. In our sample of 120 women, none reported symptoms meeting criteria for major depression.

Clearly this could be due to either the fact that none of these women were depressed, or that those who were depressed did not admit to symptoms on the DIS. A discussion around this will be undertaken, which will highlight the difficulties inherent in cross-cultural research in this field. Experience from other work from on our unit with Arabic and Vietnamese mothers will also be discussed. Finally recommendations for the appropriate cut-off point on the EPDS for screening for PND in Chinese speaking women will be given.