Examination of the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the preparation for labor and birth (P-LAB) instrument

Abstract

ObjectiveIt is known that a positive birth experience depends on the mother's belief and confidence in her ability to successfully achieve the birth. Therefore, it is important to determine women's self-confidence and readiness for childbirth. The purpose of this study is to determine the Turkish validity and reliability and adaptation to the Turkish culture of the Preparation for Labor and Birth instrument that was developed to measure the belief and confidence of pregnant women in their ability to achieve physiological birth. DesignThis is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and methodological study. It was conducted from January 30 to June 30, 2021, with 235 healthy pregnant women who are in their third trimester. Data are collected with a sociodemographic form and the Preparation for Labor and Birth instrument (P-LAB). FindingsThe Preparation for Labor and Birth instrument consists of 22 items and four subdimensions. The scale explains 69.10% of the total variance. In explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, factor coefficients are found above 0.30, and most of the fit indices are above 0.90. Cronbach's alpha value is above 0.70 for all scales and subscales. Key conclusionsIt is determined that the Preparation for Labor and Birth instrument is valid and reliable for the Turkish sample.