Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the preterm infant breastfeeding behaviour scale (PBEDÖ)

Aim: This research was carried out to conduct the Turkish validity and reliability study of the 'Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PBBS)'. Material and Method: The sample of the methodological study consisted of premature babies and their mothers with a gestational age of 33-37 weeks, hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Gynecology and Obstetrics wards of Bursa City Hospital. Demographic/Obstetric and Neonatal Characteristics Form, Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PIBBS) and Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Scale (BBAT) were used to collect research data. Breastfeeding behavior of the premature baby was assessed by observers during 2 consecutive feeding sessions. Translation-back translation was used for the linguistic validity of the PIBBS, and Davis technique was used for content validity. Independent Groups T-Test was used to assess construct validity. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Cohen's Kappa Coefficient for each item of the scale, and Pearson correlation analysis for the total scores of the scale. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was calculated to assess interobserver consistency. Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient and Omega reliability coefficient were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of the scale. In addition, item-total correlation was calculated for item-total score reliability. Results: As a result of the analyses made for the research, the Content Validity Index at the Item Level was found to be between 0.89 and 1, and the Content Validity Index at the Scale Level was found to be 0.963. A positive and high correlation was found at the level of r=0.868 (p<0.001) between the total score of PIBBS and BBAT. A very strong positive correlation was observed between the PIBBS 1st measurement score and the retest PIBBS 2nd measurement score (r=0.841, p<0.001). Kappa values calculated for each item of PIBBS were between 0.81 and 0.93. In the analyses made, Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient was found to be 0.893. Conclusions: As a result, PIBBS was found to be at a good level in terms of internal consistency, construct validity and content validity calculations. It was determined that PBAS, adapted to Turkish, is a valid and reliable measurement tool suitable for the Turkish language and culture.