Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the portuguese version of the "Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form "

Abstract

Breastfeeding has many advantages for both the mother and the baby. It is recognized by international organizations such as WHO / UNICEF / American Academy of Paediatrics as the best method to feed a child. Many mothers prematurely discontinue breastfeeding. So it is very important to identify the factors which are responsible for this. Measurement Instruments are good assessing tools for health professionals. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form (BSES-SF) is an auto fill measure instrument composed by 14 items meant to evaluate mothers confidence in breastfeeding.The main purpose of our study is to contribute to validate the BSES-SF to the Portuguese reality. Procedures were made to construct validity, internal consistency and instruments stability in time. A seven expert Committee analyzed the construct validity. Internal consistency and test/ re-test were measured using a sample of 31 breastfeeding mothers, who filled the scale in the 1st-2nd week postpartum and again one week later. BSES-SF internal consistency showed a Cronbachs alpha coefficient of 0,95, and 0,52 in test/ re-test. Concerning seven secondary questions about factors which could influence self-efficacy in breastfeeding, we could verify statistical significance between self-efficacy and previous breastfeeding experience, exclusive breastfeeding, and breastfeeding immediately after birth. Educational level, marital status, age and the kind of birth had no significant influence in self-efficacy. This study showed that the translated version of BSES-SF is a valid and reliable measure of self-efficacy in breastfeeding.