Predictive capacity for breastfeeding and determination of the best cut-off point for the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale-short form.

INTRODUCTION: The most widely used tool for assessing breastfeeding self-efficacy is the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). This study assesses the relationship between the BSES-SF score and the risk of breastfeeding (BF) cessation and determines the cut-off point in the scale score that optimizes detection of this risk in primary health care pediatric consultations.

METHODS: Secondary data analysis of the LAyDI study. Cohort study carried out through a research network of primary care pediatricians (PAPenRed). A newborn was recruited every month for one year by 210 pediatricians. The cohort was followed for 24 months. Mothers responded to the BSES-SF at the first visit. General pregnancy and delivery data were collected and assessed to determine whether breastfeeding was exclusive or supplemented during the first 6 months.

RESULTS: N = 1845. The Area Under the ROC Curve for the exclusive BF was 0.790 (0.765-0.815) the first month and 0.760 (0.734-0.786) the second month. For 4 and 6 months, as well as for any age in mothers who give supplemented BF, the Area Under the Curve was less than 0.75 and its predictive capacity was not considered to be good. For a sensitivity of 80% in detecting mothers at risk of BF cessation with the BSES-SF, the cut-off score was 58.

CONCLUSIONS: Mothers with a BSES-SF score below 58 points in primary health care, are at risk of early withdrawal of exclusive BF within two months.