Development of the Family Support Scale (FSS) for Newly Pregnant Women

Maternal mortality and morbidity are challenging issues particularly for developing countries such as Bangladesh. Pregnant women (particularly newly pregnant women) are vulnerable to both maternal mortality and morbidity. Family support, which varies according to social and family situations, may be an important factor in the welfare of pregnant women. An assessment scale for measuring family support for newly pregnant women would be useful for describing their real living situations. The aim of this study was to develop a vigorous family support scale for newly pregnant women in Bangladesh. The study participants were 30 newly pregnant women (aged between 20 to 30 years) who were asked about the support they perceived that they receive from their families. The developed family support scale was found to be a reliable scale for newly pregnant Bangladeshi women, with an internal consistency reliability level of 0.74 (Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient). The study’s findings are considered transferable to other developing countries. The scale can be used to assess newly pregnant women’s perceived family support in Bangladesh and other developing countries and can support initiatives to improve family support.

Keywords:Newly pregnant women; Family support