Childbirth self-efficacy-second stage inventory and Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire: Results from an Italian validation study.

OBJECTIVE: To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Italian versions of the Expectancy subscale of the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory and the Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire for use among Italian-speaking pregnant women. DESIGN: A cross-sectional methodological study involving cross-cultural translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a large university hospital in north-eastern Italy. The institution manages approximately 3000 births per year and offers antenatal classes led by midwives. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 115 pregnant women was recruited. The majority of participants were primigravidae and in their third trimester at the time of survey completion. METHODS: The instruments were translated and culturally adapted in accordance with established cross-cultural guidelines. Face and content validity were assessed by a panel comprising five pregnant women and five midwives. Following item refinement, the final Italian versions (CAQ-Ita and CBSEI-Efficacy-SS-Ita) were administered via an online questionnaire. Psychometric evaluation was subsequently conducted, including assessments of internal consistency and Rasch analysis to examine item fit. RESULTS: One item from each scale was removed following content validation. The CAQ-Ita and CBSEI-Efficacy-SS-Ita demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.85 and 0.93, respectively). Rasch analysis supported overall model fit and unidimensionality, although two CAQ items exhibited suboptimal fit. The majority of participants reported mild to moderate fear of childbirth and moderate levels of self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: The instruments demonstrated robust psychometric properties and are suitable for assessing fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy among Italian-speaking pregnant women. Their use may support screening and the development of tailored antenatal interventions within midwifery care.