BREASTFEEDING SELF-EFFICACY IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A DESCRIPTIVE AND CORRELATIONAL STUDY

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.