The Development of an Instr Ument to Measure Perceived Emotional, Instrumental, and Informational Suppor T in Breastfeeding MO Thers

Abstract

The Hughes Breastfeeding Support Scale, an instrument to measure emotional, instrumental, and informational support for breastfeeding mothers, has been developed by the investigator. A preliminary study to test reliability and face validity was conducted using 30 breastfeeding primiparae who delivered in 1982 and 1983 at a regional hospital in the southeastern United States. Findings from testing thus far using corrected split half reliability scores and alpha coefficients indicate moderately high internal consistency. Face validity is also present. Further work is planned to establish concurrent validity. The findings suggest that the Hughes Breastfeeding Support Scale (HBSS) may be a useful instrument for lactation research. A refined instrument with established reliability and validity might add to the body of knowledge on the relationship of support and lactation outcomes.