KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF PREGNANT WOMEN REGARDING OBSTETRICS ULTRASOUND AT SAINT PAUL'S HOSPITAL AND MILLENIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE (SPHMMC) DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Ultrasound examination forms an integral part of antenatal care both in high-risk and normal pregnancies. Ultrasound is the source of reassurance about the well-being of her baby and also a source of connecting with her baby in the antenatal period for many pregnant mothers. Fear regarding its safety and doubts about its necessity is also prevalent among pregnant women. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of antenatal mothers regarding the uses of ultrasound during pregnancy and also to assess their attitude towards ultrasound among pregnant women on ANC follow-up at SPHMMC. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from the 1st of September to November 2021, among 291 pregnant women who were on ANC follow-up at SPHMMC. Study instrument and measurement of study variables were adapted and modified from previously published studies. Data were collected using pre-tested and interviewer-administered structured questioners. Data quality was controlled by training data collectors and supervisors and checking each data for completeness and consistency during and after actual data collection. Filled data was coded and entered into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics using univariate analysis was applied to determine the distribution of study variables. Results: knowledge and attitude regarding the use of USG during pregnancy were found to be good among the participants, 50.5% of them assumed determination of sex in utero as an indication for ultrasound.81.1% of them considered ultrasound as safe and 92.1% considered it essential. 47.7% of pregnant women considered that sex determination was permissible by law. Most of them obtained information regarding ultrasound from health providers and the role of media was negligible. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding the uses of USG during pregnancy and attitude towards ultrasound was good but there is a lack of information flow from the health care provider to the client concerning the result of an ultrasound scan. Improvement in this area is needed to improve antenatal care.