Breast milk perceptions scale for adults

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Mothers should be supported by their spouses, friends, relatives and health professionals and the society' s awareness on the superiority and benefits of breast milk should be increasedin order to initiate and maintain a healthy breastfeeding process. The present study aimed to develop and test the validity and reliability of the " Breast Milk Perception Scale for Adults ", which can be used for determining adults' perceptions on breast milk; to determine the educational needs of the society as well as mothers regarding breast milk and breastfeeding; and to contribute to awareness related to breast milk and breastfeeding. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This methodological and analytical study was conducted during March-June 2015 at three family health centers which had similar socioeconomic profiles and which were located in the Çarşamba province of Samsun. The sample for the scale development study included 350 adults, while the study group consisted of 1750 adults. Data was collected using the questionnaire form developed by the researcher and the " Breast Milk Perception Scale for Adults ", which was prepared according to the literature and which is a 5-Likert type scale. Validity and reliability studies were conducted using the Lisrel software. Relibility of the scale was also analyzed using the test-retest method, item-total correlations, and internal consistency analysis. Data pertaining to the study group was analyzed using the SPSS 21 software. For statistical analysis, the Kruskall-Wallis H Test and theMann-Whitney U Test were conducted. FINDINGS: It was determined that the scale developed in the current study is a valid and reliable instrumentfor determining perceptions on breast milk. Among the study group, mean age was 34,63±10. The Cronbach' s Alpha coefficient of the scale was found to be 0,93. Mean scale score of the adults was 120,94±16,74. It was found that the 33-39 age group had significantly higher mean scores compated to the 19-25, 26-32 and 47-53 age groups (p <0,05). RESULT: It was determined that the "Breast Milk Perception Scale for Adults" is a valid and reliable instrument. It was found that the participants had scale scores above average values, leading to the conclusion that their perceptions regarding breast milk should be enhanced. Keywords: Adults, Breast Milk, Breastfeeding, Perception, Scale Development