Objective: To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale measuring prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy.
Methods: A 20-item scale was administered to a sample of 279 low-income pregnant women.
Results: Results from this study provide evidence for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .89) and validity of this measure of prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy in this population. A factor analysis of the scale indicated 4 themes. The instrument distinguished between women who intended to breast-feed and those who intended to formula feed.
Conclusion: A valid and reliable scale measuring self-efficacy for breast-feeding during pregnancy may help health care providers design interventions to increase breast-feeding rates.