Measurement Properties and Quality of Maternal Breastfeeding Instruments: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND: Different questionnaires are available to assess breastfeeding behaviour and factors that impact breastfeeding success. However, it is necessary to determine whether the questionnaire's measurement properties are satisfactory before using them. AIM: Evaluate, compare, and summarise the measurement properties and quality of the original version of maternal breastfeeding questionnaires. METHODS: This review used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-Scr). Peer-reviewed primary research studies that focused on the development and evaluation of the psychometric properties of breastfeeding instruments were included. The consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instrument (COSMIN) methodology was used to assess the methodological quality and measurement properties of the breastfeeding instruments. RESULTS: From 3,850 abstracts, 25 papers were identified. Only six instruments demonstrated sufficient content validity and internal consistency and were recommended for broad use. The results obtained with these instruments can be trusted. Sixteen of the 25 instruments had evidence of indeterminate (±) content validity. Although they had the potential for recommendation, further research is needed to assess their quality. None of the instruments reported cross-cultural validity/measurement invariance, measurement error, or responsiveness. One instrument was not recommended for use due to insufficient content validity. CONCLUSION: The review highlights the need for further research into the measurement properties of most existing breastfeeding instruments, especially cross-cultural validity/measurement invariance, measurement error, and criterion validity.