The Effect of a Supportive-Educational Intervention on Maternal-Fetal Attachment of Pregnant Women Facing Domestic Violence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

BackgroundOne of the consequences of violence during pregnancy is impaired mother-fetus attachment.ObjectivesThe present study aimed at determining the effect of supportive-educational intervention on maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women facing domestic violence.MethodsThe current study was conducted on 100 pregnant women subjected to domestic violence by their husbands. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling method and were randomized to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received four sessions of individual supportive-educational intervention, while the control group were provided with routine care during the same period. Data were collected using the Cranley maternal- fetal attachment scale in the two groups and analyzed by statistical tests eight weeks after the intervention.ResultsAfter the intervention, the mean maternal-fetal attachment score was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (80.36 ± 6.75 vs. 65.50 ± 6.78; P = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe study results showed that supportive-educational intervention was effective in promoting maternal-fetal attachment. Therefore, it was recommended that such interventions be integrated in the prenatal care programs of pregnant women facing domestic violence.