The Turkish version of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ): Examination of the validity and reliability and scale structure

The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). This methodological study was conducted with 250 women who presented to three family health centers in Istanbul/Turkey between April and June 2022 and met the sampling criteria. Validity analysis was performed using the content validity index, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Pearson product-moment correlation and Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients were used for reliability analysis. To evaluate invariance of the instrument over time, test-retest measurements were conducted at least two weeks apart and showed no difference in mean scores (p > .05). Adjusted goodness-of-fit index >0.97 and comparative fit index >0.98 confirmed the construct validity of the Turkish PBQ. Each item had a content validity index of 96%. Corrected item-total score correlations ranged from 0.50 to 0.93. The Cronbach Alpha was found to be 0.96, indicating high internal consistency. The results of this study show that the Turkish version of the PBQ is valid and reliable. It can be used as a measurement tool to determine the degree of maternal bonding in the postpartum period. •Early recognition of bonding difficulties is important for the protection and improvement of maternal and infant mental health.•The postpartum bonding scale has valid and reliable scale for identifying early bonding problems between mother and infant.•This culturally adapted scale can be used by health professionals to assess mother-infant bonding in research and clinical practice.