BREASTFEEDING SELF-EFFICACY IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND EFFECTIVE FACTORS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study was conducted to identify the factors affecting the breastfeeding self-efficacy of pregnant women in the COVID-19 pandemic.This descriptive correlational study was conducted between 15 January and 15 June, 2021. The sample consisted of 320 pregnant women’, who were in their third trimester, had a single and healthy fetus, a spontaneous pregnancy and no health problems. The data of the study were collected using an Information Form and the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale.The mean total Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale score of the participants was 79.08±13.86. The seven variables with significant effects on the mean total Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores of the participants were, being knowledgeable on COVID-19, thinking breastfeeding is beneficial for the baby, going to prenatal care checkups on time, gestational week, educational status, age, and receiving breastfeeding consultancy in the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially young pregnant women who have low educational status and are not experienced or knowledgeable about breastfeeding should be provided with counseling on breastfeeding. This study is believed to contribute to the literature and guide interventional studies to be conducted in the future by evaluating the prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy levels and affecting factors.