Analysis of Perceived Social Support on Bonding Attachment in Mothers Giving Birth during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective. Postpartum mothers need social support to promote maternal-infant bonding attachment, influencing their child's growth and development. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced changes in perceived social support and bonding attachment due to physical distancing measures and community activities restrictions. This study aims to determine the effect of perceived social support on the bonding attachment in mothers who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods. This was a cross-sectional study on 118 consecutively sampled mothers who gave birth from June to July 2021 in Bekasi, Indonesia. This study collected data using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Stratified analysis, based on demographic factors, was done to adjust the identified associations. We used chi-square test, lambda correlation test and Cochran's and Mantel-Haenszel’s test to analyze the data.

Results. Most respondents perceived low social support (57.6%) and had low bonding attachment (65.3%) during the pandemic. Nevertheless, mothers with high perceived social support tend to have 32 times higher bonding attachment than those with low social support (OR 32.4; 95% CI 10.78, 97.35; p <0.001). There was moderate positive correlation between social support and bonding attachment (r = 0.537; p = 0.001). The association was still found between perceived social support and bonding attachment after controlling for parity (AOR: 23.63; 95% CI 7.88, 70.87) and working status (AOR: 28.90; 95% CI 9.52, 87.76).

Conclusion. Perceived social support plays a significant role on bonding attachment; thus, providing sufficient support for mothers is recommended. Health promotion, counselling and psychological assistance are needed to assist mothers in adapting during the pandemic to obtain support and achieve optimal bonding attachments.