The Prenatal Rating of Efficacy in Preparation to Breastfeed Scale (PREP to BF): A Turkish Validity and Reliability Study

Objective: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is an easy-to-evaluate and easy-to-change variable. The prenatal period is an ideal period of time for women to gain breastfeeding self-efficacy. Valid and reliable measurement tools are needed to assess breastfeeding self-efficacy. The purpose of this study is to examine psychometric analysis of the Turkish form of the Prenatal Rating of Efficacy in Preparation to Breastfeed Scale. Methods: This is a methodological study. The study was conducted at the obstetrics outpatient clinic of a state hospital in Turkey. The study was administered to 407 pregnant women. The relevant data were collected through the use of a Personal Information Form, The Prenatal Rating of Efficacy in Preparation to Breastfeed Scale. Internal consistency coefficient, split-half reliability and item analysis to assess the reliability of the scale, factor analysis was performed to evaluate the validity of the scale. Results: Cronbach Alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.96. A 5-factor structure with eigenvalues above 1 that explained 71.267% of the variance emerged. The model fitted the observed data in terms of these fit index values, and that the Turkish version of the scale demonstrated an acceptable level of fit. Conclusion: The scale can be employed by healthcare professionals to assess prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy. It can contribute data for the structuring of the content of training and consultancy programs intending to improve breastfeeding self-efficacy.