Prenatal breastfeeding self efficacy scale: validity and reliability study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal Health
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Assessing breastfeeding self-efficacy during pregnancy is crucial for successful lactation.
• Validated instruments are needed to measure prenatal breastfeeding confidence accurately.
• The Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (PBFSE) requires evaluation for its psychometric properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the validity and reliability of the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (PBFSE).
• To establish the PBFSE as a dependable tool for use in Turkish culture.

Main Methods:

• A methodological study involving 200 pregnant women.
• Data collection using an introductory information form and the PBFSE.
• Statistical analysis included content validity index, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha for reliability.

Main Results:

• Exploratory factor analysis indicated strong scale properties (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.84).
• Confirmatory factor analysis supported the scale's construct validity with excellent model fit indices (e.g., RMSEA = 0.06).
• The PBFSE demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86).

Conclusions:

• The Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale is a valid and reliable instrument.
• The PBFSE is suitable for application in Turkish culture.
• Healthcare professionals can utilize the PBFSE to design and evaluate prenatal breastfeeding support interventions.