Turkish Validity and Reliability Study of the Short Version of the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE)

TL;DR

This study adapts and validates a shortened version of a childbirth experience questionnaire for use in Turkey, finding it reliable and valid for assessing maternal experiences.

Contribution

The study provides the first Turkish adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the short version of the QACE questionnaire.

Findings

The short version of QACE showed acceptable reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.758.

Item 9 had a content validity index of 0.875, while all other items had a CVI of 1.00.

After exploratory factor analysis, 12 items were grouped into four distinct subscales.

Abstract

Objective: The mother’s birth experience is crucial in identifying her care needs. The “Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience” (QACE) consists of four subscales designed to assess a mother’s childbirth experience. However, psychometric evaluations of the QACE have not been conducted in Turkey. This study aims to adapt and assess the validity and reliability of the “Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience” short version for the Turkish maternal population. Methods: This methodological study included 205 mothers who gave birth in a public hospital. Data were collected using an Introductory Information Form and the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE). Results: The content validity index (CVI) for Item 9 was calculated as 0.875, while the remaining 12 items obtained a CVI of 1.00. The internal consistency of the scale, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = 0.758), indicated an acceptable level of reliability across all items. During the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), one item (Item 13) was excluded due to cross-loading. The remaining 12 items were grouped into four distinct subscales. Conclusions: The short version of the QACE demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties and serves as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing childbirth experiences among Turkish women.

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