Breastfeeding Practices and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors : Pelin CALPBİNİCİ, Pınar UZUNKAYA ÖZTOPRAK, Ayşe Sevim AKBAY KISA

Pages : 172-182

Doi:10.51972/tfsd.1271862

View : 31 | Download : 19

Publication Date : 2023-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: The research was conducted to examine the breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Material and Methods: The research is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Between February and April 2021, the data for the research was collected using electronic surveys produced with Google Forms. The study\`s sample consisted of 220 women who were contacted in this manner and met the study\`s inclusion criteria. Data was collected using a Data Collection Form and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(BSES);. Results: The mothers\` mean BSES score was found to be 49.84±12.12. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mothers\` state of being affected by the breastfeeding process during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the place where the baby slept during the breastfeeding period, and the mean scores of the BSES insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. It was found that 22.7% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(50 mothers); of the mothers had COVID-19 infection during breastfeeding. 64% of these mothers continued to breastfeed their babies with a mask when they found out that they were Covid insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(+);, 42.0% were afraid of the transmission of COVID-19 to their babies while breastfeeding, and 76% did not use medication and continued to breastfeed. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the use of a medication related to COVID-19 infection and the mean score of BSES insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Conclusion: The pandemic has affected mothers\` breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding behaviors, and the nutritional status of infants. Study findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding support during pandemics and other societal crises to protect maternal and infant health.
Keywords : Breastfeeding, Self efficacy, Postpartum, COVID 19, Pandemic