Translation and validation of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised Indicator (BSS-RI) in Chinese

Abstract

The study aimed to translate and validate the Chinese version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised Indicator (C-BSS-RI) and assess its psychometric properties. Conducted from April to August 2023 at three hospitals in Nantong, China, it included 824 mothers. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure with eigenvalues greater than 1, explaining 63.384% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fit with the Chi-square/Df (χ2/Df) ratio = 1.511, root mean square error of approximation = 0.035, comparative fit index = 0.989, tucker-lewis index = 0.979, and normed fit index = 0.968. The C-BSS-RI demonstrated strong convergent validity with significant correlations between the total score and satisfaction questions. Divergent validity was confirmed by non-significant correlations between the Quality of Care sub-scale and maternal age. The C-BSS-RI total score showed significant negative correlations with measures of postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress, supporting the association between birth satisfaction and postpartum psychological states. Known-groups discriminant validity was confirmed with significant differences in C-BSS-RI scores across different modes of delivery. The internal consistency of the total scale was α = 0.76, the Stress of Childbearing sub-scale was α = 0.74, and the Quality of Care sub-scale was α = 0.66, indicating good reliability. The C-BSS-RI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing birth satisfaction among Chinese women.