Internal Structure of the Brazilian Online Version of the Childbirth Fear Prior to Pregnancy Scale

Abstract

Background: Approximately 80% of pregnant women have some degree of childbirth fear, which can have short-and long-term negative effects when not correctly identified and managed. Therefore, it is essential to assess childbirth fear to measure and identify factors related to this fear. Furthermore, it is crucial to develop appropriate and early interventions to improve the childbirth experience for women and their families, including the obstetric care provided. Objective: This study aimed to assess the validity of the internal structure of the Brazilian online version of the Childbirth Fear Prior to Pregnancy (CFPP) scale. Methods: This methodological study was conducted to assess the validity of the internal structure of the Brazilian online version of the CFPP scale. A total of 553 men and women aged 18 or older participated in the study. The participants were not pregnant at the time of data collection but intended to have children in the future. A combination of Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were used for statistical analysis. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha and McDonald’s Omega indicators. The Research Ethics Committee approved the study (protocol no: 4.961.821.) Results: The psychometric parameters indicated a unidimensional model with adequate factor loadings (0.47–0.73) and reliability (0.86). Goodness of fit was achieved (χ2/df = 1.5, NNFI = 0.97, CFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.98, and SRMR = 0.06). Conclusion: The Brazilian online version of the CFPP scale showed evidence of internal structural validity and reliability for measuring the construct in the population of this country.