Validation of the Hebrew Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised for partners of birthing women in Israel

Birth satisfaction shapes family well-being, yet partners' experiences remain under-researched. A Hebrew BSS-R exists for mothers, but no validated partner instrument has been available in Israel. We examined the validity and reliability of a Hebrew Partner BSS-R (HP-BSS-R).

A psychometric validation study was conducted with 250 Hebrew-speaking partners of birthing women in Israel. Data were collected online via a self-administered questionnaire completed, on average, 23.87 months after childbirth (SD 17.46). Participants completed the HP-BSS-R and provided obstetric and demographic information (age, number of children, term status, mode of birth, and labour duration). Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to examine the scale's dimensional structure and assess its goodness of fit. Convergent, divergent, and known-groups discriminant validity were assessed, alongside internal consistency reliability. The HP-BSS-R was also evaluated against previously established BSS-R versions.

A nine-item measurement model of the HP-BSS-R demonstrated excellent model fit, notably under a bifactor structure. Convergent validity was supported by correlation patterns comparable to other BSS-R versions. While the Stress Experienced subscale showed suboptimal internal consistency (α = 0.53), the Partner's Attributes and Quality of Care subscales, as well as the total score, demonstrated acceptable reliability. The scale also showed strong known-groups discriminant validity.

The HP-BSS-R demonstrates strong psychometric properties for assessing post-event birth satisfaction among partners in Israel. This validated tool provides a valuable resource for understanding partners' childbirth experiences, facilitating more comprehensive family-centred care, and informing targeted interventions to improve overall birth satisfaction.