Psychometric testing of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale-short form among adolescents.

Purpose: This study aimed to (a) psychometrically assess the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) antenatally and postnatally among adolescents, and (b) examine the relationship between breast-feeding self-efficacy and adolescent demographic variables. The BSES-SF is used internationally but has not been psychometrically tested with an adolescent population.

Methods: A methodological study was conducted in which 103 pregnant adolescents were recruited from two prenatal clinics at a tertiary care setting in western Canada.

The influence of adolescent mothers' breastfeeding confidence and attitudes on breastfeeding initiation and duration.

A prospective correlational study was conducted to examine the influence of adolescent mothers' breastfeeding attitudes and confidence on breastfeeding initiation and duration. A convenience sample of 100 pregnant adolescents who were contemplating breastfeeding completed the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) and the Breastfeeding Attitude Questionnaire (BAQ). The BSES-SF was readministered during the first week postpartum to those adolescents who initiated breastfeeding (n=84).