The effect of mothers' postpartum depression level and perceived social support on maternal self-confidence level

Aim: This research aims to examine the effects of postpartum depression levels of mothers and perceived social support on maternal self-confidence. Material and Method: This research was cross-sectional. The universe of the research consisted of mothers with 0-12 month old babies registered in family medicine centers in Malatya city center and Darende district. The sample size of the study was determined as 309 mothers by power analysis. The number of mothers to be selected from Family Health Centers was determined by cluster weighting method and was chosen by random sampling method. Findings: In the study, Pharis self-confidence scale mean score was 36.91±9.46, Edinburgh postpartum depression scale mean score was 13.09±3.16, multidimensional perceived social support scale mean score was 52.48±12.86, sub-dimensions were family 17.83±5.66, friend 17.49±4.20, a special person 17.17± It was determined as 3.86.In the study, it was determined that the Edinburgh postpartum depression scale and the Multidimensional perceived social support scale and its sub-dimensions had an effect of 46.1% on the mothers' Pharis self-confidence scale. Result: In the study, it was determined that the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers had an effect of 074% on the Pharis self-confidence scale.It was found that as the level of postpartum depression of mothers decreased, their self-confidence increased.In line with these results, public health nurses should provide support, education and counseling services to the mother in the postpartum period. Keywords: Mother, Maternal Self-Confidence Level, Postpartum Depression, Perceived Social Support, Public Health Nursing