Development and validation of theory of planned behavior questionnaire for exclusive breastfeeding

Introduction and Aims: Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is a social cognitive decision-making model that provides a useful framework for predicting and explaining health behaviors. Based upon our search, there are no studies about validation of exclusive breastfeeding questionnaire, using TPB, at the first six month after birth in Iran. The present study was designed to develop and validate the exclusive breastfeeding questionnaire in Gonabad pregnant women.Materials and Methods: Developing exclusive breastfeeding questionnaire an initial list of 25 questions was prepared with the participation of 20 pregnant women and 12 related professionals. Validating the questionnaire, we applied Face Validity and Content Validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Intra-class correlation coefficient were calculated to determine reliability. Data were analyzed by using SPSS v.16 software.Results: The results showed that all 25 questions of the TPB questionnaire has an acceptable content validity (0.66 to 0.99). Measures of the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Intra-class correlation coefficient were 0.79 and 0.81, respectively.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that TPB exclusive breastfeeding questionnaire has an acceptable validity and reliability that can be used in research activities.* Corresponding author: Gonabad, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Faculty of Public Health.Email: Abbass.alimardani@yahoo.com