Psychometric Assessment of the Brazilian Version of the Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to translate and psychometrically assess the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) among women living in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, and examine the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) and maternal demographic variables. This methodological study is the first translation of BSES conducted in South America. The psychometric assessment of the original study was replicated. This methodological study enrolled a group (sample of judgment) of 117 pregnant women. BSES and maternal sociodemographic variables were studied. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the translated BSES was .88. Significant differences in BSES scores were found among mothers with a previous satisfactory breastfeeding experience (M = 145.81; SD = + or - 6.82, p = .0001). Significant relationships were found among prenatal BSE and maternal age (r = .228; p = .01), educational level (r = .234; p = .01), and marital status (r = .183; p = .04). No relationship was found among BSE and maternal occupation, family income, or number of pregnancies. Altogether, our findings suggest that BSES translated into Portuguese may be a reliable and valid measure to assess maternal BSE in Brazilian culture. Minor changes may be needed to use it in other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Portugal and Mozambique.