Adaptation of the IOWA Infant Feeding Attitude Scale Into Turkish for Mothers With Infants Aged 0-12 Months: A...

Mothers' attitudes toward infant feeding are an important factor influencing breastfeeding intention, the initiation of breastfeeding, and the introduction of complementary feeding.

The goal of the study was to culturally adapt the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) to Turkish society and to test its validity and reliability.

This methodological study was conducted on a sample of 304 mothers with infants aged 0-12 months who consented to participate. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale.

The total variance explained by the IIFAS was 43.966%. Item 1 was left out of further analyses on account of its impact on the scale's Cronbach's alpha value, and Item 17 was excluded due to its failing to meet the factor loading criterion. The χ²/df value in the confirmatory factor analysis was 1.745, and the fit indices indicated good model fit (RMSEA = 0.070, GFI = 0.893, CFI = 0.897). The reliability of the scale and subscales was found to be satisfactory. The item-total correlation values were found acceptable as their values range between 0.316 and 0.467. The mean total IIFAS score was 57.32 ± 7.83.

The results of the study indicated a neutral attitude score from mothers on the scale. In this regard, nurses ought to design a structured breastfeeding education and counseling intervention for mothers to develop a more positive attitude towards breastfeeding. The IIFAS is a valid tool and can be used to measure the infant feeding attitudes of mothers in Turkey.