Participant analysis of the need for prenatal attachment education packages

Background: Primigravidas are at high risk of experiencing emotional disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to fetal neglect and a lack of adequate pregnancy care. This may result in problems with fetal growth and development, low birth weight, and even infant death. A strong maternal-fetal attachment significantly influences pregnancy care practices. However, there is no prenatal attachment education program included in routine education. Aim: This study aimed to explore healthcare workers’ perspectives on the need to develop a prenatal attachment education package for pregnant women in public health centers. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted among eight healthcare workers from eight public health centers in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; a regency with the seventh highest infant death rate in the country. Inclusion criteria included healthcare workers in maternity and child health units who resided in Bantul and agreed to participate. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants. Data collection was conducted through focus group discussion (FGD) with an interview guide. The FGD data were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 12 Pro International software. Results: The findings identified 216 codes, 16 categories, and 4 themes, including (1) pregnancy education program, (2) maternal-fetal attachment education program, (3) pregnancy emotional management program, and (4) husband support education program. Conclusion: This study identified four themes and sixteen categories that underscore the need for further research to develop guidelines, materials, and media for prenatal attachment education packages. © 2024 The Authors.