PERCEPTIONS AND ACCEPTABILITY OF PRENATAL CONGENITAL ANOMALIES SCREENING AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN HAVING ANTENATAL CARE FOLLOW UP AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: Major congenital malformations affect an average of 2 to 3% of all live births which constitute about 3 million fetuses and infants born yearly. Congenital anomalies account for 20 to 25% of perinatal deaths, which is a major marker of quality of health care delivery. Technology and advances in research have made it possible for the fetus to become a patient whose illness can be investigated, diagnosed and treated in utero. There is a scarcity of data about pregnant women’s knowledge, perception, preference and acceptability of prenatal congenital anomalies screening in these part of the world. This makes our study findings at most importance that would have further implications for continuing the success of antenatal care programs and reducing complications associated with fetal congenital anomalies in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the perceptions and acceptability of prenatal congenital anomalies screening at SPHMMC. Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who had attended antenatal care services during July 01 to October 31, 2022 at SPHMMC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data was collected using pretested structured questioner. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, logistic regression and T-tests in SPSS version 21 statistical software. P-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: A total of 308 pregnant women were interviewed. The mean maternal age was 30.2±4.2 years. Up to 158 (51.30%) had at least secondary school level of education. 55.7% of the respondents had an average knowledge level & only 16.8% demonstrated high knowledge level. 3/4th of participants showed a good perception of prenatal congenital anomalies screening. 88.6% of study participants were willing to accept prenatal screening when offered. Almost all (92.2%) preferred US as prenatal screening method. High knowledge level & Multiparity were associated with increased uptake of prenatal screening tests. Conclusion: There was a mediocre level of knowledge among the study participants. Most of them showed a good perceptions & a high acceptability of prenatal congenital anomalies screening.