Development and validation of paternal breastfeeding attitude scale.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a valid and reliable instrument for the measurement of fathers' attitudes towards breastfeeding.

Methods: This basic research-designed study included two independent participant groups of fathers who resided with their wives and had children aged 0-24 months who were exclusively breastfed. The final draft of the Paternal Breastfeeding Attitude Scale consisted of 32 items, which were scored on a five-point Likert scale.

Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted on the scale comprising 14 items. The Kaiser-Meyer Olkin value of the 14-item Paternal Breastfeeding Attitude Scale (0.864). The Paternal Breastfeeding Attitude Scale sub-dimensions Cronbach's α were (0.85) for "devaluation (six items)", (0.75) for "caring (five items)", and (0.68) for "necessity (three items)". Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted on the 14-item scale. The t-tests of all factor loadings obtained from Confirmatory Factor Analysis yielded statistically significant results (p < .05). This model obtained in confirmatory factor analysis was derived through EFA and based on the items belonging to the factors. In this multifactor model, observable variables were grouped under multiple independent dimensions. The model showed acceptable model fit parameters (χ2 = 210.94; RMSEA = 0.08; CFI = 0.94; NNFI = 0.93; SRMR = 0.05; IFI = 0.94).

Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the Paternal Breastfeeding Attitude Scale was a valid and reliable instrument for assessing fathers' attitudes toward breastfeeding. Fathers' positive attitudes towards breastfeeding can be promoted through breastfeeding training or counseling provided by women's health nurses.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.