Construct validity of the childbirth trauma index for adolescents

Measuring Adolescent Birth Trauma: Development, Adaptation, and Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties for the Childbirth Trauma Index

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Childbirth can have negative consequences; however, measurement tools to assess this event are limited; and none consider the adolescent's birth. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the childbirth trauma index (CTI).

METHODS

Construct validity and reliability of the CTI was assessed via a field test involving 160 adolescents 3 days postpartum.

RESULTS

A modified 8-item version of the original CTI exhibited acceptable construct validity and reliability criteria. The CTI was found to link with birth appraisal, but not subjective distress measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The CTI may be a more robust means of assessing birth appraisal than use of single-item measures. Recommendations for practice suggest use of the modified CTI to assess birth appraisal, or use in combination with single-item rating scales.

Validation of the Iranian version of the childbirth experience questionnaire 2.0

BACKGROUND

Assessing women's childbirth experiences is a crucial indicator in maternity services because negative childbirth experiences are associated with maternal mortalities and morbidities. Due to the high caesarean birth rate in Iran, measuring childbirth experience is a top priority, however, there is no standard tool to measure this key indicator in Iran. The aim of present study is to adapt the "Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.0" to the Iranian context and determine its psychometric characteristics.

METHODS

Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.0 was translated into Farsi. A total of 500 primiparous women, at 4 to 16 weeks postpartum, were randomly selected from 54 healthcare centres in Tabriz. Internal consistency and reliability was calculated using the Cronbach's Coefficient alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, respectively. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and discriminant validity using the known-group method and the Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

The internal consistency and reliability for the total tool were high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93; Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0.97). Explanatory factor analysis demonstrated the adequacy of the sampling (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.923) and significant factorable sphericity (p < 0.001). Confirmation factor analysis demonstrated acceptable values of fitness (RMSEA = 0.07, SRMSEA = 0.06, TLI = 0.97, CFI > 0.91, x 2/ df = 4.23). Discriminatory validity of the tool was confirmed where the CEQ score and its subdomains were significantly higher in women who reported having control over their childbirth than women who did not.

CONCLUSION

The Farsi version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.0 tool is a valid and reliable tool and can be used to measure the childbirth experience in Iranian women.

Measuring women's childbirth experiences: a systematic review for identification and analysis of validated instruments

BACKGROUND

Women's childbirth experience can have immediate as well as long-term positive or negative effects on their life, well-being and health. When evaluating and drawing conclusions from research results, women's experiences of childbirth should be one aspect to consider. Researchers and clinicians need help in finding and selecting the most suitable instrument for their purpose. The aim of this study was therefore to systematically identify and present validated instruments measuring women's childbirth experience.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in January 2016 with a comprehensive search in the bibliographic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and PsycINFO. Included instruments measured women's childbirth experiences. Papers were assessed independently by two reviewers for inclusion, and quality assessment of included instruments was made by two reviewers independently and in pairs using Terwee et al's criteria for evaluation of psychometric properties.

RESULTS

In total 5189 citations were screened, of which 5106 were excluded by title and abstract. Eighty-three full-text papers were reviewed, and 37 papers were excluded, resulting in 46 included papers representing 36 instruments. These instruments demonstrated a wide range in purpose and content as well as in the quality of psychometric properties.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review provides an overview of existing instruments measuring women's childbirth experiences and can support researchers to identify appropriate instruments to be used, and maybe adapted, in their specific contexts and research purpose.

Childbirth related fears and psychological birth trauma in younger and older age adolescents

AIM

The aim of this study is to explore childbirth fears on psychological birth trauma (PBT) by adolescent age.

BACKGROUND

Among adults parity and intrapartum fears including fear of dying, loss of control, pain, and limited support have been associated with negative birth appraisal and symptoms of traumatic stress, defined here as PBT.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed a convenience sample of 201 adolescents at a large, county hospital.

RESULTS

Over 75% of adolescents perceived fear. Younger and older adolescents, similar in fears, were distinguished only by parity. The effects of parity, overall rating of fear, and father of baby absence were found to vary by age on birth appraisal; however, only parity varied by age on IES scores.

CONCLUSIONS

All age adolescents can be fearful and will benefit with childbirth education and labor support to help reduce fears and subsequent PBT.