Transition From Hospital to Home in Parents of Preterm Infants: Revision, Modification, and Psychometric Testing of the Questionnaire

Background and Purpose: Transition from hospital to home in parents of prematurely born infants can be challenging. This methodological study aimed to develop an instrument to measure transitional problems in parents after hospital discharge. Methods: Kenner's Transition Questionnaire was modified based on findings of the literature review and a qualitative study. Content validity of the revised tool was determined by a panel of experts, and field testing was conducted via an online survey of parents of preterm infants (N = 704). Exploratory factor analysis (principal axis factoring and direct oblimin rotation) was performed. Results: Results showed four correlated factors in parental transition from hospital to home: Isolation, Worry, Confidence, and Professional Support (17 items total). Factor loadings ranged from .59 to .87, and reliability estimates ranged from .77 to .87. Conclusion: The revised instrument demonstrated adequate psychometric characteristics; further testing and validation of the instrument is warranted.