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Another Tool in the Toolbox: Quantifying Preexisting Human Milk Feeding Experience With the Breastfeeding Awareness
Stephanie D Uhr1, Joshua D Copher2,3, Teresa S Johnson4
1School of Nursing, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA stephrnibclc@gmail.com suhr@niu.edu.
None:
Background and Purpose: Breastfeeding awareness-distinct from knowledge, skills, and attitudes-may influence breastfeeding behaviors and support, yet no validated instrument exists to measure this construct. This study developed and evaluated the Breastfeeding Awareness Level (BAL) instrument to quantify breastfeeding awareness among lactating parents, families, and health care professionals. Methods: Using a mixed-methods design, focus groups (n = 45) identified attributes of breastfeeding awareness and informed BAL item development. Psychometric testing was conducted using survey data from 152 participants. Results: The 16-item BAL demonstrated good internal consistency (coefficient alpha = .84). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the instrument's latent structure. Conclusions: The BAL appears to be a reliable measure of breastfeeding awareness and can support research and educational initiatives to strengthen breastfeeding support for the breastfeeding dyad.

