Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PIBBS)

Background: Preterm infants often experience difficulties in breastfeeding due to immature sucking and coordination skills, making reliable assessment tools essential for guiding effective clinical care and interventions. Aim: This research was carried out to conduct the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PIBBS). Method: The sample of the methodological study consisted of premature babies and their mothers with a gestational age of 33–37 weeks, hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Gynecology and Obstetrics wards of Bursa City Hospital. Demographic/Obstetric and Neonatal Characteristics Form, PIBBS, and Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Scale (BBAT) were used to collect research data. Results: The Content Validity Index at the Item Level was between 0.89 and 1, and the Content Validity Index at the Scale Level was 0.963. A positive and high correlation was found at the level of ( r = 0.868; p < 0.001) between the total score of PIBBS and BBAT. A very strong positive correlation was observed between the first PIBBS measurement score and the retest second PIBBS measurement score ( r = 0.841; p < 0.001). Kappa values for each item of PIBBS were between 0.805 and 0.933. Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient was 0.893. Conclusion: Health professionals who care for preterm infants can be trained on the use of PIBBS in the evaluation of sucking skills of preterm infants and its use can be made widespread.