BREASTFEEDING SELF-EFFICACY IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT
IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A DESCRIPTIVE AND CORRELATIONAL STUDY
Abstract
Objective The study has been conducted to identify the factors affecting
the breastfeeding self-efficacy of pregnant women in the COVID-19
pandemic. Design A descriptive and correlational design has been used in
this study. Setting The population of the study comprised all the
pregnant women applying to the obstetrics polyclinic of a university
hospital. Sample The study sample consisted of 320 pregnant women’s.
Methods The data of the study were collected by using an Information
Form and the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Main Outcome
Measures Breastfeeding self-efficacy. Results The seven variables having
a significant effect on the pregnant women’s Prenatal Breastfeeding
Self-Efficacy Scale scores, in the order of descending importance, have
been determined as follows; being knowledgeable on COVID-19, thinking
breastfeeding to be beneficial for the baby, going to prenatal care
checkups on time, pregnancy duration, educational status , age, and
receiving breastfeeding training in the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion
Although the study findings show similarities to those of the studies
conducted before the pandemic analyzing breastfeeding self-efficacy and
the factors affecting it, it is an important aspect that this study has
been carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is believed to
contribute to the literature and guide interventional studies to be
conducted in the COVİD-19 pandemic by evaluating the breastfeeding
self-efficacy levels of mothers and the factors affecting them.