Construction and Initial Validation of Measures Regarding Human Milk Donation: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Objective: to construct and validate measures related to human milk donation (HMD), based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Theoretical framework: it is assumed that TPB can be used to explain and predict HMD behavior and the construction of these measures should consider reflective and formative measures. Method: a questionnaire was developed with 12 direct reflective measures and 30 indirect formative measures and applied to a sample of postpartum women eligible to donate. The reliability of the direct measures was verified by the internal consistency criterion, using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. The reliability of the indirect measures was verified by the temporal stability criterion, using the test-retest technique and the intraclass correlation coefficient. The construct validity of the direct measures was established through the convergent and discriminant validity of these measures. The construct validity of the indirect formative measures was established through convergent validity, the assessment of collinearity problems and the assessment of the significance and relevance of the formative measures. Results and conclusion: the reliability and validity of the direct reflective and indirect formative measures indicated that they are reliable and acceptable. Research implications: this questionnaire can be used to predict HMD behavior, which in turn can improve donor recruitment management in human milk banks. Originality/value: a questionnaire with direct and indirect measures of the TPB on HMD is unprecedented.