EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRIMIPAROUS MOTHERS' ANXIETY LEVELS REGARDING NEWBORN CARE AND MOTHER-INFANT BONDING: DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the anxiety level of primiparous mothers regarding newborn care and mother-infant bonding. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 95 mothers who had infants in the pediatric ward of a hospital located in the Aegean Region of Turkey. Data were collected using the “Mother Information Form,” the “State Anxiety Scale (SAS),” and the “Postpartum Attachment Scale (PAAS).” Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The study found that 81.1% of participating mothers were aged 18-35, 56.8% had given birth by cesarean section, 61.1% had no experience in newborn care, 50.5% experienced difficulties with breastfeeding, and 84.2% requested assistance with newborn care. The mean PAAS score for mothers was 42.85±4.61, while the mean SAS score was 36.20±8.31. A negative, high-level, and statistically significant relationship was found between SAS and PAAS scores (r = -0.554; p = 0.000). The significant variables predicting anxiety levels in primiparous mothers were postpartum attachment level (β = -0.264), financial status (β = 0.210), and participation in pregnancy classes (β = -0.254) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study has revealed that as the anxiety level of primiparous mothers regarding newborn care increases, the mother-infant bond is negatively affected. The findings indicate that supportive educational programs such as pregnancy classes and improvements in socioeconomic conditions can strengthen the mother-infant bond by reducing mothers' anxiety levels.