title: Semantic Assessment of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning in a Medically Underserved Obstetric Population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to evaluate the fitness of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF) for postpartum functional assessment in a low-income obstetric population in medically underserved, Central Georgia (USA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cognitive interviewing, a best practices approach to instrument development and validation, was performed on 24 new mothers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The BIMF was comprehensible to this population of disadvantaged women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The BIMF has broad appeal due to its comprehensibility, patient-centered assessment style, and psychometric profile. Method of questionnaire administration and characteristics of the study and/or patient population should routinely be considered when implementing any type of self-reported health screening.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Barkin
authors.affiliation: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Gordon B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Kristina C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.affiliation: Tanner Health System, West, Georgia Healthcare for Women, Carrollton, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Tiffany
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stanfill-Thomas
authors.affiliation: Jewish Family & Children's Service, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beals
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Joan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bloch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000592:standards*; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012660:Semantics; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning; maternal functioning; postpartum depression; postpartum functioning; postpartum health