The Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB-Q): A psychometric validation study

Abstract

Objectives: Questionnaires used to assess women’s beliefs as a predictor of breastfeeding behaviour are not theoretically informed or tested for psychometric validity and reliability. This study conducted a psychometric evaluation of the Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB-Q). Design: A two-phase evaluation in an online cross-sectional questionnaire study (N = 278) and cohort study sample (N = 264). A ten-item questionnaire was proposed to assess women’s beliefs about the benefits and efforts of breastfeeding. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed construct validity and reliability. Multivariate regression analyses assessed validity in predicting breastfeeding behaviour and experiences. Results: EFA found a shortened 8-item, 2-factor model had good fit (χ2 = 23.3, df = 13, p