Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool

Abstract

ObjectiveTo translate the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) into Japanese and confirm the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of IBFAT. DesignThe methodological study examining the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the IBFAT. SettingA maternity hospital in Tokyo. ParticipantsTen mother-newborn pairs were recruited for the reliability analysis. 101 mother-newborn pairs were recruited for the validity analysis. Measurements and findingsReliability was verified by video recording and direct observation. The observers are one researcher, and 11 evaluators consisting of midwives and nurses. Amongst the 11 evaluators, six evaluators directly observed breastfeeding behaviours and five evaluators observed breastfeeding behaviours through video viewing. Regarding the inter-rater agreement, the intraclass correlation (ICC) between the researcher and six direct evaluators was 0.985 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.941–0.996) and that amongst five video viewing evaluators was 0.827 (95% CI: 0.647–0.945). In the intra-rater agreement, the lowest ICC amongst all those investigating IBFAT scores was 0.810 (95% CI: 0.433–0.948). In concurrent validity, the correlation coefficients between the IBFAT and Breastfeeding behaviour Assessment (BBA) scores on the first day after birth and the fourth or fifth day after birth (at discharge) were 0.66 (p < 0.001) and 0.40 (p < 0.001), respectively. In predictive validity, the medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) of IBFAT scores at discharge were 11.0 (IQR: 11.0–12.0) and 11.0 (IQR: 11.0–12.0) for the breast and mixed milk groups at one-month check-up, respectively. While both median values were the same, the Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference. Key conclusionsThe Japanese version of the IBFAT is valid and reliable for measuring feeding behaviour amongst newborns in the first week of life. Implications for practiceThe Japanese version of the IBFAT can be available both in a clinical setting and in research to help support breastfeeding.