Adaptation of the IOWA Infant Feeding Attitude Scale Into Turkish for Mothers With Infants Aged 0–12 Months: A Validity and Reliability Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mothers' attitudes toward infant feeding are an important factor influencing breastfeeding intention, the initiation of breastfeeding, and the introduction of complementary feeding. AIM: The goal of the study was to culturally adapt the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) to Turkish society and to test its validity and reliability. METHODS: This methodological study was conducted on a sample of 304 mothers with infants aged 0-12 months who consented to participate. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. RESULTS: /df value in the confirmatory factor analysis was 1.745, and the fit indices indicated good model fit (RMSEA = 0.070, GFI = 0.893, CFI = 0.897). The reliability of the scale and subscales was found to be satisfactory. The item-total correlation values were found acceptable as their values range between 0.316 and 0.467. The mean total IIFAS score was 57.32 ± 7.83. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated a neutral attitude score from mothers on the scale. In this regard, nurses ought to design a structured breastfeeding education and counseling intervention for mothers to develop a more positive attitude towards breastfeeding. The IIFAS is a valid tool and can be used to measure the infant feeding attitudes of mothers in Turkey.