Turkish adaptation of the maternity ambivalence scale and the effect of some demographic-obstetric variables and depression on maternal ambivalence

Aim: This research was conducted to adapt the Maternal Ambivalence Scale into Turkis h and to determine the effects of some demographic-obstetric variables and depression on maternal ambivalence. Material and Method: The data of the methodological and cross-sectional study was collected from four Family Health Centers located in the center of Osmaniye between April 2023 and August 2023. The sample of the study consisted of 600 mothers in total, including 300 pregnant women and 300 women in the postpartum period, who met the inclusion criteria. Introductory information form, Maternal Ambivalence Scale and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale were used during the data collection process. SPSS 25 and AMOS 22 programs were used to analyze the data. The collected data were evaluated with descriptive statistics, validity and reliability analyses, difference analyses, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The Maternal Ambivalence Scale, consisting of 14 items and 3 subscales, was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for pregnant and postpartum mothers. It was determined that the number of siblings, whether the pregnancy was planned, the last family planning method used, perception of social support and depression scale variables had a significant impact on maternal ambivalence (p<0.05; R2: 0.141). Conclusion: The maternal ambivalence scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for pregnant and postpartum mothers in Turkish society. It was determined that many factors and depression were effective in maternal ambivalence. Keywords: Maternal ambivalence, pregnancy, postpartum, depression