Development and Psychometric Properties of the Breastfeeding Avoidance Scale (BAS)

Background: Breastfeeding provides significant benefits for infant health and well-being. However, many mothers develop avoidance behaviors due to the physical, psychological, and sociocultural challenges they encounter during the breastfeeding process. Research Aim: The purpose of this study was to create and assess the Breastfeeding Avoidance Scale’s psychometric features in Turkish postpartum mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional, methodological, and descriptive design was used to assess 227 postpartum mothers. The Breastfeeding Avoidance Items were developed based on an extensive review of the literature, and include 18 items across two subscales. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest techniques, while validity was assessed using expert feedback and exploratory factor analysis. Results: A two-factor structure that accounted for 63.06% of the variation was found using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A satisfactory model fit was shown by confirmatory factor analysis (χ 2 /df = 2.90, RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.91). Breastfeeding Avoidance Items showed great test-retest reliability ( r = 0.82, ICC = 0.861) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.965). Concurrent validity was supported by the finding of a substantial negative correlation ( r = -0.743, p < 0.01) between the Breastfeeding Avoidance Items and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Conclusion: The Breastfeeding Avoidance Items is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating Turkish mothers’ avoidance of breastfeeding. It offers potential for use in clinical and research settings to identify and address challenges in breastfeeding practices.