Development and validation of the Australian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R)

Jefford, Elaine; Hollins Martin, Caroline J.; Martin, Colin R.

Abstract

Objective and background: The 10-item Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) has recently been endorsed by international expert consensus for global use as the birth satisfaction outcome measure of choice. English-language versions of the tool include validated UK and US versions; however, the instrument has not, to date, been contextualised and validated in an Australian English-language version. The current investigation sought to develop and validate an English-language version of the tool for use within the Australian context.
Methods: A two-stage study. Following review and modification by expert panel, the Australian BSS-R (A-BSS-R) was (Stage 1) evaluated for factor structure, internal consistency, known-groups discriminant validity and divergent validity. Stage 2 directly compared the A-BSS-R data set with the original UK data set to determine the invariance characteristics of the new instrument. Participants were a purposive sample of Australian postnatal women (n = 198).
Results: The A-BSS-R offered a good fit to data consistent with the BSS-R tridimensional measurement model and was found to be conceptually and measurement equivalent to the UK version. The A-BSS-R demonstrated excellent known-groups discriminant validity, generally good divergent validity and overall good internal
consistency.
Conclusion: The A-BSS-R represents a robust and valid measure of the birth satisfaction concept suitable for use within Australia and appropriate for application to International comparative studies.

Citation

Jefford, E., Hollins Martin, C. J., & Martin, C. R. (2018). Development and validation of the Australian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R). Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 36(1), 42-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2017.1396302

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 4, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Nov 13, 2017
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Deposit Date: Nov 15, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 14, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0264-6838
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-672X
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 42-58
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2017.1396302
• Keywords: Birth Satisfaction Scale- Revised (BSS-R); Australian; validation; maternity care; measurement invariance; midwives; obstetricians
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1010287
• Contract Date: Nov 15, 2017