Development of a self-confidence scale for senior midwives, and verification of its reliability and validity. (English)

This study aimed to develop a self-confidence scale for senior midwives and to verify its reliability and validity. Methods A self-confidence scale for senior midwives was developed based a literature review, a concept analysis of self-confidence, and data from interviews with senior midwives in the hospital setting. A questionnaire survey was conducted on senior midwives working in hospitals who had between 6 and 15 years of experience. Questionnaires were sent to 1,216 senior midwives, among whom, 547 responded, and 477 were eligible for analysis. Exploratory factor analyses and covariance structure analysis were conducted to verify the reliability and validity of the scale. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Amos ver. 25. Results After the exploratory factor analysis, the scale was composed of the following four subscales: 1) 'self-confidence in ability to provide maternity care', 2) 'self-confidence in leadership', 3) 'self-confidence in behavior as a professional', and 4) 'self-confidence in pursuing self-improvement'. Overall 22 items were extracted. The correlation coefficients among each subscales were .568∼.771, and correlation coefficients between the overall scale and each subscales were .765~.945. Correlation coefficient between the self-confidence scale for senior midwives and the self-esteem scale was .443, and that between the self-confidence scale for senior midwives and the generalized self-efficacy scale was .491. Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale and each subscale were .705~.827. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed the following: GFI=.834, AGFI=.787, CFI=.916, RMSEA=.087. Conclusion The self-confidence scale for senior midwives developed in the present study was composed of four subscales and 22 items. Furthermore, its content validity, internal consistency, concurrent validity, and reliability were verified. The scale contents reflected necessary abilities for senior midwives. Therefore, this scale appears to be a useful tool for senior midwives for evaluating their own practical abilities as a midwife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Japan Academy of Midwifery is the property of Japan Academy of Midwifery and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)