Mothers of preterm infants encounter challenges in establishing mother–infant bonding (MIB). The heterogeneity of MIB within this population, as well as the cognitive and behavioural factors associated with it, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify latent profiles and characteristics of MIB among mothers of preterm infants, and to explore associated factors of these profiles. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 282 mothers of preterm infants to collect data using the General Information Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, the Parental Role Adaptation Scale, and the Premature Infant Care Competence Scale. MIB profiles were identified by latent profile analysis, associated factors were examined by multinomial logistic regression, and sensitivity analysis was conducted using Firth’s penalised multinomial logistic regression. Three MIB profiles were identified: the “optimal MIB group” (73.76%), the “partially impaired and rejective MIB group” (20.57%), and the “comprehensively impaired MIB group” (5.67%). Over a quarter of mothers exhibited impaired bonding. Associated factors of impaired bonding profiles (P < 0.05) were younger maternal age, lower infant gestational age and birth weight, the mother not being the primary caregiver post-discharge, and poorer maternal role adaptation and care competence. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings. MIB among mothers of preterm infants is a heterogeneous construct. Identifying distinct profiles and the factors associated with them underscores the need for early screening and tailored interventions. Such an approach has the potential to improve bonding quality, maternal well-being, and developmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Xu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.