Translation and validation of the Swedish version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R)

Grundström, Hanna; Martin, Caroline J. Hollins; Malmquist, Anna; Nieminen, Katri; Martin, Colin R.

Abstract

Background
Optimizing women's childbirth experience is essential for development of quality mother infant relationships. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) can be used to measure birth satisfaction.

Aim
The current investigation sought to translate and validate a Swedish version of the BSS-R.

Method
Following translation, a comprehensive psychometric validation of the Swedish-BSS-R (SW-BSS-R) was carried out using a multi-model, cross-sectional, between- and within-subjects design.

Participants
A total of (n=619) Swedish-speaking women participated, from which (n=591) completed SW-BSS-R were eligible for analysis.

Data analysis
Discriminant, convergent, divergent and predictive validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor structure were evaluated.

Results
The SW-BSS-R was found to have excellent psychometric properties and hence is a valid translation of the original UK(English)-BSS-R. Important insights into relationships between mode of birth, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postnatal depression (PND) were observed.

Conclusions and implications for practice
The SW-BSS-R is a psychometrically valid translation of the original BSS-R and is suitable for use in a Swedish-speaking population of women. The study has also highlighted important dynamics between birth satisfaction and areas of significant clinical concern (i.e., mode of birth, PTSD and PND) in Sweden.

Citation

Grundström, H., Martin, C. J. H., Malmquist, A., Nieminen, K., & Martin, C. R. (2023). Translation and validation of the Swedish version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R). Midwifery, 124, Article 103745. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2023.103745

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 25, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-09
• Deposit Date: May 29, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 5, 2023
• Journal: Midwifery
• Print ISSN: 0266-6138
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 124
• Article Number: 103745
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2023.103745
• Keywords: Birth satisfaction, birth experience, scales, psychometrics