Adaptation of the barkin scale of maternal functioning and examination of the psychometric properties

Objective: The aim of the present study to translate the Barkin Index of Maternal Function (BIMF) which was developed by Lynn Jennifer Barkin for determining postpartum maternal functional status into Turkish and to investigate its validity and reliability for Turkish population. Method: The study was determined by simple random sampling method, was carried out in 15, 17, 18 and Meltem Family Health Centers was from February 10 to April 15 date. The research population consisted of a total 235 women who were between 6-10 the week postpartum, were between 18-40 years, who volunteer to participate in the study.Mother identifying information form, the Barkin Index of Maternal Function were used as a data collection tool. In the analysis of data number, percentage, arithmetic mean, Kendall W analysis, factor analysis, Cronbach alpha coefficient and item analysis were used. Results: Paralell-blind translation method was used to determine the Turkish adaptation of the scale. The compatibility level of expert opinion Kendall W = 0.297, p = 0.004 was found. As a result of exploratory factor analysis of the scale, it was decided to be 5 factors and the total variance explained by the factors was 59.9%. In accordance to scores obtained from the scale confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)was applied to obtain extra evidence with regard to construct validity.Fit indexes of CFA weredetermined as Chi-Square Goodness of Fit 2(94)=159.93 (p=.000),2/sd=1.70, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) 0.05, Non-normed Fit Index (NNFI) 0.94, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) 0.96, Standardized Root Mean Square Residuals (SRMR) 0.06 and Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) 0.91. Overall Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the scale was 0.73 and the subcategory reliability coefficient was calculated to as Self Care subscale 0.66, Mother Psychology subscale 0.71, Babysitting subscale 0.62, Social Support subscale 0.69 and Maternity Compliance subscale 0.50. As a result of Item analysis, the level of distinctiveness items was determined to be at high level (rjx< 0.10). Conclusion: Barkin Index of Maternal Function (BIMF) was determined as a reliable and valid tool for Turkish society. Keywords: Motherhood function; Barkin Maternity Function Scale; Postpartum period