Development and psychometric testing of the prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy scale.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale measuring prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy.


METHODS
A 20-item scale was administered to a sample of 279 low-income pregnant women.


RESULTS
Results from this study provide evidence for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .89) and validity of this measure of prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy in this population. A factor analysis of the scale indicated 4 themes. The instrument distinguished between women who intended to breast-feed and those who intended to formula feed.


CONCLUSIONS
A valid and reliable scale measuring self-efficacy for breast-feeding during pregnancy may help health care providers design interventions to increase breast-feeding rates.
Wells
Kristen J
KJ
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. kwells@cas.usf.edu
Thompson
Nancy J
NJ
Kloeblen-Tarver
Amy S
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010500:Perinatology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011594:Psychometrics; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires