Infant care self-efficacy scale: A scale development and psychometric evaluation study.

AIM: This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to assess mothers' self-efficacy levels in daily infant care routines.

METHODS

This methodological study was conducted with a sample of 301 mothers who had infants aged 0-1 year. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed to evaluate construct validity. Criterion validity was examined through correlation analysis with the Self-Efficacy in Infant Care Scale (SICS). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, split-half reliability, and test-retest methods.

RESULTS

The final form of the scale consisted of 16 items and a single factor. EFA revealed that the scale explained 80.1% of the total variance. CFA indicated that all items had high and statistically significant factor loadings under a single factor (β = 0.795-0.960; p < 0.001). Model fit indices (χ2/df = 2.50, CFI = 0.988, TLI = 0.986, NFI = 0.980, IFI = 0.988, GFI = 0.998, SRMR = 0.044) demonstrated a good model fit. Criterion validity analysis showed a positive, moderate, and statistically significant correlation between the scales (rs = 0.48; p < 0.001). The scale's internal consistency coefficients were calculated as Cronbach's alpha (α) = 0.984 and McDonald's omega (ω) = 0.984. Test-retest results indicated high temporal stability (ICC = 0.967).

CONCLUSION

The scale developed in this study is a practical and reliable instrument for assessing mothers' self-efficacy in daily infant care routines. Its use may contribute to identifying mothers' self-efficacy needs related to positive infant care practices.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The Infant Care Self-Efficacy Scale provides healthcare professionals, particularly midwives and nurses, with a valid and reliable tool to assess mothers' confidence in daily infant care practices. The scale can facilitate the early identification of mothers who may require additional support and guide the development of individualized education and counseling interventions aimed at strengthening maternal caregiving skills.