Investigation of Maternal- Fetal Attachment Behaviors and Its Related Factors in Pregnant Women, Qazvin in 2015

Background Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) behaviors play an essential role in adapting to maternal concepts and promote maternal and fetal health.  Objective The present study aimed to determine the MFA and some related factors in pregnancy. Methods The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 pregnant women referring to health centers in Qazvin City, Iran, in 2015. A multistage sampling method (a division of urban areas, a random selection of health centers, & simple random sampling) was conducted. The required data were collected in a self-report manner using the Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) and a demographic and midwifery data questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed in variance and Tukey's test.  Findings The overall mean±SD score of attachment behaviors was 95.91±8.9; high attachment behaviors were observed in 65.5% of the study participants, while 34.5% had moderate attachment behaviors. A significant relationship was observed between attachment behaviors and several childbirths, the grade of pregnancy, educational level, and stress (P<0.05). However, no relationships were observed between attachment behaviors and mother’s age, gestational age, the history of stillbirth, abortion and infertility, participation in maternity preparedness classes, family income, and parental employment status (P>0.05). Conclusion According to the obtained results, the majority of mothers had high attachment behavior scores. Moreover, some personal and midwifery characteristics were related to attachment behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended to pay more attention to the psychological dimensions of pregnant women along with other health dimensions in pursuit of modern midwifery goals.