Psychometric and maternal sociodemographic assessment of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale - short form in a brazilian sample

Abstract

Objectives: This study was developed to psychometrically assess the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) among women living in Fortaleza-CE-Brazil and to examine the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal demographic variables.

Methods: This methodological study replicated the original psychometric assessment of the BSES-SF conducted in Canada. A convenience sample of 294 postpartum women were recruited.

Results: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the BSES-SF was 0.74. Significant relationship was found between breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal age (r=0.138; p=0.018). No relationship was found between breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal occupation, educational level, marital status, family income or number of pregnancy suggesting BSES-SF may be a unique tool to identifying women at risk to prematurely discontinue breastfeeding.

Conclusions: The BSES-SF is a valid, instrument for measuring Brazilian women’s confidence in their ability to breastfeed. Study results can be used by health workers to plan interventions targeting women in most need of support to reduce premature discontinuation.