Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The attachment a mother feels for her fetus intensifies her duty to care for it, leading to a heightened desire to engage in behaviors that promote health. This research explored the association between maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and adherence to health-related behaviors among pregnant women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study focused on 220 pregnant women in Jahrom City, and was conducted using a multi-stage random sampling strategy. The data were collected using the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale paired with a questionnaire that addressed health behaviors relevant to pregnancy. The data were analyzed using SPSS18 software, employing linear regression and the Pearson correlation test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 28.06 ± 5.12 years. The adherence to health behaviors in pregnant women yielded a mean score of 174.51 ± 20.20. Pearson's correlation test revealed a significant statistical association between MFA and adherence to health behaviors (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis showed that the dimensions of interaction with the fetus (β = 0.19) and the act of surrendering to the fetus (β = 0.27) could explain 35% of the variance in adherence to health behaviors (F = 14.12, R2 = 0.35, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study highlights a significant association between MFA and adherence to health behaviors throughout pregnancy. Supportive measures may strengthen MFA, promoting self-care practices and behaviors, ultimately resulting in improved health for both the mother and her fetus.