PARENTAL BREASTFEEDING BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE QUESTIONNAIRE
Marija Čatipović1, Josip Grgurić2, Rajko Fureš3,4
1Marija Čatipović Specialist Pediatric Clinic, Bjelovar, Croatia.
Insights
This study developed a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess parental breastfeeding behaviors and attitudes. The tool aids in evaluating community-based breastfeeding support programs and promoting infant health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Health Education
Background:
- Effective community-based breastfeeding support and promotion require validated assessment tools.
- Existing methods may not adequately capture parental behaviors and attitudes towards breastfeeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a questionnaire measuring parental breastfeeding behaviors and attitudes.
- To create a reliable instrument for evaluating breastfeeding promotion and support programs.
Main Methods:
- Item selection based on literature review, expert consultation (pediatricians, lecturers), and parent input.
- Pilot testing of a working version online (February-May 2019).
- Statistical analysis including item analysis, principal component analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- A 15-item behavioral scale with good internal consistency was retained.
- A 17-item attitude scale demonstrated a four-factor structure, explaining 46.11% of variance.
- Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 indicated acceptable internal consistency for the attitude scale.
Conclusions:
- The final questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for collecting breastfeeding data.
- The tool can evaluate changes in parental behaviors and attitudes from support programs.
- It can assist professionals in designing effective breastfeeding initiatives.
Abstract:
A validated questionnaire is required to evaluate scientifically community-based breastfeeding support and promotion. The aim of this study was to create a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure parents' behavior and attitudes about breastfeeding. The items in the questionnaire were selected by the authors according to regular data from the professional literature, and in consultation with three pediatric lecturers at higher and secondary health education, fellow pediatricians, and parents. A working version of the questionnaire was available on the website of the For a Healthy and Happy Childhood association from February 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Bjelovar General Hospital. After item analysis, 15 behavioral questions that showed good internal consistency were retained. Concerning the attitudes, principal component analysis showed a four-factor structure with 17 items explaining 46.11% of total variance. Cronbach's alpha (0.88) indicated acceptable internal consistency. To analyze the ability of the questionnaire to differentiate parents according to the desired outcome, the χ2-test, correlation and logistic regression were used. In the study, the desired outcome was defined as exclusive breastfeeding for 5 or 6 months, as well as breastfeeding for 12 months or more. In conclusion, the final instrument is reliable and valid for collecting breastfeeding data and evaluating changes in parents' behaviors and attitudes achieved through participation in breastfeeding promotion and support programs. The questionnaire may, in addition to the BIAKQ questionnaire, support professionals and activists involved in breastfeeding to create methodologically well-conceived programs.
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