Factors associated with postnatally maternal-infant attachment in taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The attachment is an important aspect of the relationship between mother and infant. However, besides mother, the other influential factors, including social and cultural environments, play a key role in the level of attachment to their infants. Therefore, the regional studies are needed to assess the impact of factors affecting attachment postpartum period. In this study, we investigated the effect of factors on mother–infant attachments in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: The survey was carried out among 200 women 1–2 months postnatal, who were attending healthcare center in the middle of the city and were living in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. It was held during the period from January to March 2018. The survey was used to acquire sociodemographic data, reproductive history, and mother–infant attachment scale. Results: Out of 200 women, 172 (86%), 20 (10%), and 8 (4%) mothers showed positive, negative, and unclear attachments, respectively. Positive attachment was high among educated (90.6%) and employed (85.2%) mothers (P = 0.001). Furthermore, high gravidity and parity promote positive attachments. The positive attachment was more inclined toward girl child (95.7%), while the other factors including social support, being a full-term baby, breastfeeding, pregnancy planning, and history of abortion showed no significant effect on attachment. Conclusion: The psychological status of the mother is one of the governing factors which affect bonding during pregnancy and postpartum. Extensive care should be provided to pregnant women with high number of pregnancies especially if they are of lower level of education to help them avoid negative attachment with their infants.

Keywords

• Gravidity
• maternal-infant attachment
• parity
• positive attachment
• Saudi Arabia