Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 7-2008

Journal / Book Title

Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to create and establish the validity of a short questionnaire to measure mothers' perceived support for breastfeeding from the workplace. The items in the workplace breastfeeding support scale (WBSS) were derived from a literature review. The scale was self-administered in central Indiana during the fall of 2005 to a convenience sample of 66 volunteers who were primiparous, 6 to 12 months postpartum, worked outside the home and had initiated breastfeeding prior to the survey. Internal consistency (α) and split-half reliability (r) test and factor analysis were done to establish reliability and construct validity of the scale. The WBSS showed acceptable reliability (α=.77, r=0.86). Content validity was established by review using a panel of experts. Four distinct constructs of the scale were identified that accounted for 62.1% of the total variability of the scale: technical, environmental, facility, and peer support, thus establishing construct validity of the scale. Lactation consultants and worksite lactation program planners can use the WBSS to help mothers returning to work and to assess the needs for improvement of support programs.

DOI

10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.018

Published Citation

Bai, Yeon, C-Y. Joanne Peng, and Alyce D. Fly. "Validation of a short questionnaire to assess mothers' perception of workplace breastfeeding support." Journal of the American Dietetic Association 108, no. 7 (2008): 1221-1225.

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