Validity and Reliability of Turkish Language Version of Baby Preparation and Worry Scale

Introduction. The Baby Preparation and Anxiety Scale (Baby-PAWS) is the only instrument focusing on expectant mothers’ practical concerns about the transition to parenthood (being able to care for the baby, securing childcare, personal well-being, and partner involvement) and measuring these parameters. Objective. The aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of Baby-PAWS, by adapting it to the Turkish population. Method. Two hundred and twenty expectant mothers over the age of eighteen in the third trimester of pregnancy were included in our methodological study. The content and language of Baby-PAWS were also validated. Data were subsequently obtained through confirmatory and explanatory factor analysis, correlation analysis and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test. Results. It was found that although the Turkish language version of Baby-PAWS did not have three sub-dimensions as in the original, the one-dimensional Baby-PAWS was a valid, reliable scale tool suitable for the Turkish population. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the revised scale was .85. Discussion and conclusion. The Turkish language version of Baby-PAWS is a suitable instrument in terms of language and content validity, and its single-factor structure can be applied to the Turkish population and correctly identify expectant mothers’ concerns about self-care, partner/relationship issues, self-care, and relying on others to care for the baby after its birth.