Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Birth Satisfaction Scale–Revised in Portuguese postpartum women

ABSTRACT

Objective

This study aims to develop a Portuguese-language version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) for clinical and research use in Portugal (PT-BSS-R). The factor structure, its invariance across depression levels, and the internal consistency of the PT-BSS-R were analysed.

Method

A sample of 1373 Portuguese-speaking postpartum women completed a sociodemographic and clinical form, the PT-BSS-R, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale through an online survey tool. Four competing models were tested through confirmatory factor analyses and bifactor model-based psychometric indices were calculated. The internal consistency and the divergent/convergent validity are analysed.

Results

The psychometric properties of PT-BSS-R were found to be generally excellent. Both the original correlated three-factor model and the bifactor model exhibited a good fit to the data. Results from the bifactor model support the use of both the BSS-R total score and the subscale scores. Exemplary invariance findings were observed between groups stratified on the basis of depression screening. PT-BSS-R has demonstrated both divergent and convergent validity as well as internal consistency.

Conclusion

PT-BSS-R is a psychometrically robust measure of birth satisfaction appropriate for clinical and research use in Portugal.

KEYWORDS:

• Birth satisfaction
• BSS-R
• confirmatory factor analysis
• bifactor
• psychometrics

Acknowledgments

This paper is part of the COST Action Riseup-PPD CA18138 and was supported by COST under COST Action Riseup-PPD CA18138. COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation. www.cost.eu

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of the BSS-R

BSS-R is free to use for clinical and research purposes but requires permission. Contact Professor Hollins Martin at [email protected] for permission to use and the dedicated BSS-R website at www.bss-r.co.uk for more information on the measure.