Psychometric properties of the Dutch London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy for pregnant people and their partners

BackgroundPregnancy intention is a multidimensional, dynamic as well as context-specific construct. The primary aim of this study is to establish a reliable survey on pregnancy intention in the Netherlands based on the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP). MethodologyThe development of the Dutch Adaptation of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (DA-LMUP) was based on the LMUP, but substantial differences were made, resulting in an adapted version both for people who were pregnant and one for partners. We conducted a psychometric evaluation of the DA-LMUP using observational data from two studies in the Netherlands, with 1172 participants (both pregnant people and their partners), aged between 16-55 years. Next, acceptability and reliability, including test-retest stability were assessed. Further, construct and convergent validity were analysed - including hypothesis testing - and Mokken scaling was applied. ResultsThe DA-LMUP demonstrated to be acceptable and reliable (Cronbachs alpha >0.80 for both versions: pregnant people and partners). Construct validity was acceptable and Mokken scale analyses indicated a strong scale (H-coefficient: 0.68). All hypothesis tests were confirmed: people who were younger, single, and nulliparous reported lower pregnancy intent. People who had an abortion reported lower pregnancy intent compared to people continuing their pregnancy to term. Lastly, results showed a high correlation of pregnancy intent in couples (n = 257 couples). ConclusionsThe DA-LMUP is evaluated as reliable for the Dutch context. It offers researchers a suitable instrument to measure pregnancy intention in a multidimensional manner, constituting a closer reflection of peoples actual experiences.