Psychometric assessment of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale—short form: An alternative german translation

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q1 NURSING

Midwifery Pub Date : 2025-02-21 DOI:10.1016/j.midw.2025.104348

Martin Kramuschke , Katja Linde , Franziska Lehnig , Michaela Nagl , Cindy-Lee Dennis , Anette Kersting

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

The identification of low breastfeeding self-efficacy allows for tailored interventions to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among women in accordance with WHO recommendations. While breastfeeding self-efficacy can be measured using the widely accepted Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form (BSES-SF), the construct and predictive validity of a translated German version have not been sufficiently demonstrated. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of an alternative German translation of the BSES-SF.

Methods

The BSES-SF was administered to mothers at three months (N = 143) and six months (N = 115) postpartum. In addition, exclusive breastfeeding duration and related constructs were assessed.

Results

Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91) was shown. A good model fit was achieved in the confirmatory factor analysis only when error covariances were considered (CFI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.057, RMSEA = 0.074), raising concerns about a unidimensional structure in the translated version. Construct and divergent validity were supported by significant correlations with self-esteem and social support, and negative correlations with depression, stress, and general anxiety. Importantly, predictive validity was confirmed. Furthermore, breastfeeding self-efficacy at three months postpartum was significantly correlated with exclusive breastfeeding duration at six months (r = 0.312).

Conclusion

This study ensures the construct validity of the German BSES-SF and confirms its predictive validity for the first time. The German translation enables midwives and healthcare professionals in German-speaking countries to identify mothers in need of breastfeeding support up to three months postpartum. Targeted interventions can be tailored based on the overall BSES-SF score or specific item responses, contributing to improved breastfeeding outcomes.

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来源期刊

Midwifery 医学-护理

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

7.40%

发文量

221

审稿时长

13.4 weeks

期刊介绍： Midwifery publishes the latest peer reviewed international research to inform the safety, quality, outcomes and experiences of pregnancy, birth and maternity care for childbearing women, their babies and families. The journal’s publications support midwives and maternity care providers to explore and develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes informed by best available evidence. Midwifery provides an international, interdisciplinary forum for the publication, dissemination and discussion of advances in evidence, controversies and current research, and promotes continuing education through publication of systematic and other scholarly reviews and updates. Midwifery articles cover the cultural, clinical, psycho-social, sociological, epidemiological, education, managerial, workforce, organizational and technological areas of practice in preconception, maternal and infant care. The journal welcomes the highest quality scholarly research that employs rigorous methodology. Midwifery is a leading international journal in midwifery and maternal health with a current impact factor of 1.861 (© Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports 2016) and employs a double-blind peer review process.