The Introduction Of The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale And Exploring Research On Factors Influencing The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

Many mothers discontinue breastfeeding prematurely. Researchers have shown that maternal confidence is an important factor in the continuation of breastfeeding. The purpose of this methodological study was to introduce the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) as an instrument to measure confidence in breastfeeding mothers.Following the psychometric procedure, the scale was translated, commented by experts, pilot tested and formally tested. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale is 0.9. The range of item-total correlate coefficients is 0.33~0.75, and the split-half reliability is 0.9. As to the construct validity, through the factor analysis with principal component extraction and varimax rotation, the 32 items was integrated into two subscales. Both the conceptual domain of the subscale was correspond with the theoretical premise. But 2 items failed to load on either of the factors, they were deleted from the further analysis. The predictive validity of the BSES was assessed by determining the relationship between breastfeeding mothers' self-efficacy and their infant feeding patterns at 1 and 2 months postparrum. Although the correlate coefficients were weak, both of them were significant. Based on these data, the reliability and validity of the BSES (Chinese version) were validated.Based on the Bandura's self-efficacy framework, a questionnaire was designed and used to exploring the factors influencing breastfeeding self-efficacy together with the Edingburgh postpartum depression scale. Following the multiple liner regression, the main factors influencing breastfeeding self-efficacy were revealed: Evaluation of mother's breastfeeding technique by friends who has breastfeeding experience, Degree of mental tensity when breastfeed, Education level of the mother, Whether or not the mother or mother-in-law of the puerpera has offered the knowledge about breastfeeding to her.On account of the results, the author discussed the meaning and the clinical applicability of the BSES (Chinese version), analyzed the factors influencing breastfeeding with its probable mechanism. Then suggested the specific__T j^_-application of self-efficacy theory at the nursing practice.