Development and Validation of a Self-Management Self-Efficacy Scale for Premature Birth Prevention (SMSE-PBP) for women of childbearing age

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a self-management self-efficacy for premature birth prevention (SMSE-PBP) in women of childbearing age (WCA). Methods Instrument development and validation were undertaken in three phases: conceptualization, item generation and evaluation of content validity, and evaluation of construct and concurrent validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using exploratory and second-order confirmatory factor analyses, and concurrent validity was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The reliability was analyzed using omega hierarchical and Cronbach’s ⍺. Results Content validity was assessed by experts and cognitive interviews of WCA. The SMSE-PBP consists of a second-order 3-dimension and 10-factor scale with 60 items; therefore, the construct and concurrent validity of the SMSE-PBP were supported. The omega values were .93 for pre-pregnancy SMSE-PBP, .92 for pregnancy SMSE-PBP, and .94 for hospital SMSE-PBP. Cronbach’s ⍺ was .88 for pre-pregnancy SMSE-PBP, .96 for pregnancy SMSE-PBP, and .96 for hospital SMSE-PBP. Conclusions The SMSE-PBP scale is valid and reliable for WCA; it is helpful for WCA and health professionals to assess women’s SMSE-PBP and pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, or hospital SMSE-PBP. The next steps should include assessing the relationship with pregnancy health behaviors.