Relationship between exposure to violence and prenatal attachment in pregnant

This descriptive and cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between domestic violence during pregnancy and prenatal attachment, as well as the factors influencing them. The sample comprised 138 pregnant who met the inclusion criteria and sought medical care at the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinics of Adana City Training and Research Hospital between March and May of 2023. Data were collected using personal information form, Domestic Violence Against Women Scale and Prenatal Attachment Inventory. The mean Domestic Violence Against Women and Prenatal Attachment Inventory scores were 72.85 ± 17.03, and 45.52 ± 14.64, respectively. We found a statistically significant relationship between the education level of the spouses, income level, type of marriage, previous experience of domestic violence, and the Domestic Violence Against Women and Prenatal Attachment Inventory scores (p < .001). There was a positive and strong relationship between the total Domestic Violence Against Women and Prenatal Attachment Inventory scores (p < .05), indicating a rise in prenatal attachment corresponding to increased violence against women. Within this context, violence screening may be conducted to prevent violence during pregnancy. Both quantitative and qualitative studies pertaining to violence in pregnant women should be carried out. Nurses and other healthcare professionals, including physicians, midwives, and counselors, should take an active role in addressing this issue. Researchers and practitioners should screen all women for intimate partner violence during their visits before and during pregnancy, as pregnancy is a period requiring frequent interaction with health institutions, and should establish a system for this.