Evaluation of Mother–Infant Attachment and Postpartum Depression in Mothers of Preterm and Full-Term Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Preterm birth and neonatal intensive care unit admission of the newborn increase the likelihood of postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers. This study was conducted to evaluate maternal attachment, PPD, and related determinants among mothers of both preterm and term infants.Method: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between January and July 2019 in a public hospital in Türkiye with 200 mothers (85 preterm and 115 term). Data were collected using the Maternal Attachment Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U-test, and correlations were analyzed using Spearman’s rho.Results: Maternal attachment scores were significantly higher in mothers of term infants (median = 101) compared to preterm infants (median = 98) (P < .001). Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores were significantly higher in mothers of preterm infants (median = 11) compared to term infants (median = 3) (P < .001). A significant negative correlation between attachment and depression was observed only in mothers of term infants (r = −0.577, P < .001).Conclusion: Mothers of preterm infants had lower maternal attachment and higher PPD levels. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and psychosocial support for mothers at risk, particularly those with preterm infants.