Development and validation of an instrument designed to measure the impact of networks of support for breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND: the hypothesis of this study is that there are not enough validated questionnaires that measure the impact of networks to support breastfeeding for the Spanish speaking population. OBJECTIVE: For this reason, we ask as a general objective of this study, to develop and validate (in terms of content and construct) a quantitative instrument of measure. METHOD: We evaluated the content validity, subjecting the survey to a breastfeeding expert's opinion in the Region of Murcia. The pilot test was conducted between the months of March and April 2014. Surveys were carried out directly by users who attended the breast-feeding support group "Lactando". For construction validity, a factor analysis was conducted, which determined the different dimensions that the survey could measure. A description of each of the items on the statistics was conducted. Through principal component analysis, the total variance explained was obtained, determining the factors that define the elements. RESULTS: Through factor analysis, the questionnaire has a high internal consistency for its five components (satisfaction, consultations, experience, problems and support), obtaining values from 0.942 to 0.632. And a high percentage of total variance explained (11,157% - 5,093%). CONCLUSION: This study has served to create a relevant and valid in terms of content and construction, instrument, capable of measuring the impact of networks of support for breastfeeding through 5 dimensions.