International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Factors Associated with Prenatal Attachment Among First-Time Pregnant Adolescents in Songkhla Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study
By Sopita Boonya, Sopen Chunuan, Patidta Chaingam and 1 others.
Abstract
Background
Prenatal attachment—the bond a pregnant woman forms with her unborn child—has been associated with postpartum bonding and infant development, yet its predictors among first-time pregnant adolescents remain unclear.
Methods
This cross-sectional predictive correlational study examined prenatal attachment and its predictors among 136 first-time pregnant adolescents aged 13–19 years in Songkhla, Thailand. Hierarchical regression (gestational age entered first) used 134 participants.
Results
Prenatal attachment was very high (M = 123.23, SD = 12.65; mean item score = 4.25/5). No participant screened positive for intimate partner violence, so this variable was excluded from regression. Gestational age alone explained 20.1% of the variance (β = 0.448, p < 0.001); adding the psychosocial block raised this to 36.7% (ΔR2 = 0.166, p < 0.001), with gestational age (β = 0.454), social support (β = 0.269), and self-esteem (β = 0.160) being significant and marital relationship, stress, and depression not. These results remained unchanged when we analyzed all 136 participants and after adjusting for maternal age, pregnancy planning, and hospital site.