Measuring the role of fathers on breastfeeding success: Psychometric properties of Ethiopia's Afaan Oromo version of the partner breastfeeding influence scale

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to translate the partner breastfeeding influence scale (PBIS) to the Afaan Oromo language and determine its psychometric properties.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 320 fathers of infants under six months old was conducted with a 4-week retest. The scale underwent translation and back-translation before its psychometric evaluation. Its content validity was determined using the Content Validity Index (CVI), while construct validity was assessed through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The scale's reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Mean differences in father breastfeeding support by sociodemographic factors were analysed using independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA.

Results

The EFA conducted on the scale resulted in a 31-item with a five-component structure, demonstrating excellent reliability. The overall scale showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96, while the subscales for breastfeeding savvy, helping, appreciation, breastfeeding presence, and responsiveness recorded Cronbach's alpha values of 0.88, 0.92, 0.89, 0.89, and 0.74, respectively. The scale demonstrated high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96) and strong content validity (item-level CVI: 0.86–1.00; scale-level CVI: 0.98). Father's age, number of children, education, employment, and income correlated significantly with their breastfeeding support levels.

Conclusion

The study found that the Afaan Oromo version of the Partner Breastfeeding Influence Scale (PBIS-AO) is a reliable and valid tool for assessing father support for breastfeeding among Afaan Oromo-speaking fathers in Ethiopia.

Implications to practice

The validated tool can enhance evidence-based practice by providing healthcare professionals with reliable instruments to evaluate patient outcomes, interventions, and informed decisions on breastfeeding practices.