Predictors of maternal role adaptation in Iranian women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Numerous factors play a role in maternal identity formation and function. Recognizing the aspects related to adaptation to the mother role can effectively provide a solution to help mothers construct maternal roles. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the predictors of adaptation to the maternal role in Iranian women. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 564 women who gave birth within one to four months after delivery with a record in Tabriz-Iran health centers, 2020–21. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), Lipz Maternal Self-Confidence Scale (LMSCS), and maternal role adaptation questionnaire. The general linear model was used to estimate the effect of each of the independent variables (socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, childbirth satisfaction, and self-confidence) on the dependent variable (maternal role adaptation). Results The mean (± SD) total scores of adaptation to the maternal role, childbirth satisfaction, and maternal self-confidence were 77.4 (± 15.2) (score range: 33–165), 17.0 (± 5.9) (score range: 0–40), and 65.1 (± 13.5) (score range: 24–144), respectively. Based on the Pearson correlation test, there was a significant direct correlation between the overall score of adaptation to the maternal role with childbirth satisfaction (r = 0.462, P < 0.001) and maternal self-confidence (r = 0.652, P < 0.001). Based on the adjusted general linear model, the variables of maternal self-confidence, childbirth satisfaction, adequacy of household income, and spouse support were predictors of adaptation to the mother role. They explained 50.6% of the variance in the adaptation to the mother role score. Conclusions Concerning the study results, adaptation to the maternal role is related to childbirth satisfaction and some socio-demographic variables. Therefore, considering the impact of maternal role on other aspects of women's life and child care, healthcare providers' and policymakers' critical role is to create positive childbirth experiences and strengthen mothers' self-confidence.

Maternal performance after childbirth and its predictors: a cross sectional study

“…Indeed, other studies have identified that; number of births, birth experience, type of birth, and maternal and neonatal complications influence postpartum maternal performance in the general population [23,43]. Moreover, parents whose babies were admitted to the intensive care unit have been found to have a higher adaptation score with the maternal role, and those who had full-term babies have been found to have a higher adaptation score with the maternal role compared to mothers who had preterm babies [44] Numerous other variables including maternal age, perception of the childbirth experience, preterm childbirth, social stress, social support, and personality traits in the formation of maternal identity and functioning have been found to affect maternal adjustment, including social and psychological factors [43][44][45].Those with high-risk pregnancies may experience multiple hospitalizations during pregnancy, which may also lead people to experience different emotions [45]. Thus in the long term, those who experience high-risk pregnancies may experience depression or PTSD.…”