Validation of the Maternal Identity Scale for Primiparous Thai Teenage Mothers

PURPOSE: The Maternal Role Attainment Scale Form B (MRAS-Form B) was developed based on Mercer's theory and widely used to assess maternal role attainment among Thai mothers in hospitals. To assess the maternal identity among primiparous adolescent mothers in communities, MRAS-Form B remains indistinguishable due to differences in both mothers' ages and circumstances andwas modified to the Maternal Identity Scale (MIS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the MIS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 primiparous Thai teenagers residing with their infants aged 4−12 months. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to confirm the construct validity using Mplus Software. RESULTS: The overall model provided fit well to the empirical data (χ²/df = 2.23, comparative fit index = .93, TuckereLewis index = .92, root mean square error of approximation = .06, standardized root mean square residual = .05). About 33−66% of the variance among MIS items could be explained by three constructs of maternal identity. Convergent validity showed item loadings ranging from .58 to .81; in addition, average variance extracted and composite reliability ranged from .44 to .54 and .82 to .92, respectively. Discriminant validity correlations between constructs were ranging from .74 to .87. The MIS exhibited very good item discrimination values (.52 ≤ corrected item-total correlation ≤.70) and an excellent reliability (Cronbach's α = .95). CONCLUSION: Appropriately for community health nursing, the MIS was a valid and reliable tool, assessing maternal identity among primiparous teenage mothers one year after delivery.

Evaluation of a Research and Development Project on Integrated Network for Health and Quality of Life Development among Thachene-Maklong Basins Communities: An Area-based Study of Samut Sakhon Province, 2003-2006

This study is aimed at evaluating a research and development project on integrated network for health and quality of life development among Thachene-Maklong Basins communities, focused on an area-based study of Samut Sakhon Province during 2003-2006. Input, process and outcome evaluation was conducted by using secondary sources of data and focused group discussion with community stakeholders. Input evaluation indicated that Mahidol University had an effective research strategy on an area-based study. The research network consisted of a researcher team from Mahidol University, community leaders, local authorities and local organizations. The goal, objectives and plan were set up under the vision of “Healthy Amphang”. Community people are involved in problem identification and given suggestions through public hearing approach, but are found only among a limited group. Process evaluation revealed that clear objectives were given for community preparation. Community strengthening and capacity building was conducted by training, seminar and study visit to help the area-based research networks to apply their knowledge and experiences for community development. Village broadcasting was used to disseminate information to community people to realize and to participate in the program. Weaknesses of the project implementation included low community involvement and a limited number of personnel with high workload. Strengths of the program were willingness of community people to work for the others, more consensus agreement, and development of a network to share and exchange knowledge and ideas between community and the research team. Supervision, monitoring and evaluation of the program were conducted by local authorities using a Tambol Administrative Organization (TAO) as a focal point. Outcome evaluation showed application of knowledge and experiences of the local network from training, seminar and study visit was performed by a group facilitator and healthy community development. The local communities were capable to conduct a health promoting program themselves by establishing regular public hearing and by setting up a plan together. Community people changed their health behaviors and improved through this better environment. The research team gained more experiences which they will apply in future work based on the plan and will aim for sustainability development of a healthy community.