The effects of health counselling and follow-up care on maternal-infant attachment

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of follow-up care and health counselling provided by midwives and nurses in maternal-infant attachment level and relationships between sociodemographic factors. The study was designed as a quasi-experimental pattern with a control group on pretest-posttest. The sample size was determined using a power analysis and a total of 90 people were included in the study. The study demonstrated that the mean PAI score was high both in experimental and control groups and there was no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). In both groups, the mean MAI score was above the average scale score, but it was significantly higher in the group receiving health counselling and follow-up care compared to the score of the other group (p < 0.05). The study demonstrated that health counselling and follow-up care contributed significantly to the mother-infant attachment.

KEYWORDS:

• Health counselling
• follow-up care
• prenatal attachment
• maternal attachment

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the participated in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fadime Üstüner Top

Fadime Üstüner Top is a Assistant Professor of pediatric nursing in the Department of Nursing at the University of Giresun, Giresun, Turkey. She researches and teachers in the fields of child health, health protection, health development and child diseases. Her most recent studies are related to research such as child health, protection, development, attachment, obesity, childhood maltreatment and children's rights.

Cagla Yigitbas

Cagla Yigitbas is a Assistant Professor of public health nursing in the Department of Midwifery at the University of Giresun, Giresun, Turkey. She researches and teachers in the fields of public health, health protection and health development. Her most recent studies are related to research such as health protection, development, attachment, physical violence and children's rights.

Pınar Cantürk

Pınar Cantürk is a nurse in Maternity and Children Diseases Education and Research Hospital, Giresun University, Turkey. She works as a training nurse at the pregnant school. It plans trainings on pregnancy, birth, newborn care and nutrition.

Fatma Yüksel

Fatma Yüksel is a nurse in Maternity and Children Diseases Education and Research Hospital, Giresun University, Turkey. She works as a health services director at the hospital. She took part in projects such as mother–friendly hospital and baby–friendly hospital.