The effect of space support in fathers on intra-uterine father attachment and parental role perception

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of spousal support on intrauterine paternal attachment and paternal role perception in fathers. Material and Method: The sample of the descriptive and correlational study consisted of 121 fathers who applied to Tokat Turhal State Hospital Turhal Pregnancy School, Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic between 01/04/2024-01/04/2025 and met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected using the "Personal Data Form", "Spousal Support Scale", "Intrauterine Father Attachment Scale" and "Fatherhood Role Perception Scale" and the forms were delivered to the participant face-to-face and they were asked to fill out the form. SPSS statistical package program was used to analyze the data. Data were evaluated using mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, number (n), percentage (%), Independent T-test or "One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between the scales and Linear Regression analysis was used to determine the effect. Statistical significance level () was taken as 5%. Results: The mean scores of the fathers were 73.88±7.05 on the Spousal Support Scale, 72.84±10.95 on the Intrauterine Father Attachment Scale, and 98.80±9.55 on the Fatherhood Role Perception Scale. There was a weak-moderate, negative (r= -0.306, p= 0.001) and statistically significant correlation between the number of pregnancies and perceived spousal support, and a weak, negative (r= -0.212, p= 0.019) and statistically significant correlation between the number of living children including the current pregnancy and perceived spousal support. There was a moderate, positive and statistically highly significant (r = 0.465, p = 0.001) correlation between perceived spousal support scores and intrauterine paternal attachment scores, and a moderate, positive and statistically highly significant (r = 0.470, p = 0.001) correlation between perceived paternal role perception scores. There was also a moderate, positive and statistically very significant (r = 0.520, p = 0.001) correlation between intrauterine paternal attachment scores and paternal role perception scores. Conclusion: Fathers' perceived partner support affects intrauterine paternal attachment and paternal role perception. Keywords: Spousal Support, Perception of Fatherhood, Birth, Attachment, Father, Midwife