\u201cPsychometric properties and factor structure of the attitudes to fertility and childbearing scale (AFCS) in a sample of polish women\u201d

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Attitudes to Fertility and Childbearing Scale (AFCS) in a Polish context. A cross-sectional self-assessment study was conducted with a total group of 748 Polish women in two studies (n = 187 and n = 561, respectively). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), using SEM were performed. A three-factor structure was extracted by the EFA; although it differed to that identified in the original studies, the CFA found it to be robust. The final Polish version of the AFCS consists of 26 statements, comprising three factors (Fertility and the child as an important value, Child as a barrier, and Personal awareness and responsibility concerning having a child), which have demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency. Although the original AFCS factor structure was not replicated, our findings demonstrate that the Polish adaptation of the Attitudes to Fertility and Childbearing Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating attitudes concerning fertility and childbearing in the Polish context.