The Effect of Father-Sensitive Childbirth Education on Prenatal Paternal Attachment Level

The Effect of Father-Sensitive Childbirth Education on Prenatal Paternal Attachment Level

This study was planned as a randomised controlled trial to examine the effects of a "Father-Sensitive Childbirth Preparation Class" on the level of prenatal attachment. The main question it aims to answer is:

1- How does a father-sensitive birth preparation class affect fathers' prenatal attachment levels?

It was conducted between February 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024, with expectant fathers living in Mersin province, whose spouses were experiencing their first pregnancy, who were between 20-32 weeks' gestation, and who were going to become fathers for the first time.

A total of 99 expectant fathers were included in the study - 50 in the intervention group and 49 in the control group. The intervention group was given a "Father-Sensitive Childbirth Preparation Training" consisting of four sessions, while the control group received a standard "Childbirth Preparation Training", also consisting of four sessions.

The "Descriptive Data Collection Tool" and the "Prenatal Father Attachment Scale" were used to collect the research data.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants were:

• Over 19 years of age,
• At least literate,
• Whose spouse was between 20 and 32 weeks pregnant,
• Whose spouse was primigravida,
• Whose spouse had a singleton pregnancy,
• With no prior experience of pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting,
• With no history of miscarriage, curettage, or perinatal loss,
• Whose spouse had no pregnancy-related complications or risk factors,
• Who had not previously attended any childbirth preparation training, pregnancy information classes, or parenting courses.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants were excluded if they:

• Had a spouse whose pregnancy was outside the 20-32 week gestation range,
• Had a spouse with a multiple pregnancy,
• Had any pregnancy-related complications or risk factors (high risk),
• Had prior experience of pregnancy, birth, or parenting,
• Had experienced miscarriage, curettage, or perinatal loss,
• Had previously attended any childbirth preparation training, pregnancy information classes, or parenting courses.