Knowledge and Attitude of Antenatal Women towards Routine Ultrasound Screening in Pregnancy at a Tertiary Institution in Bengaluru

Abstract

Introduction: Due to advances in technology, there has been increased medicalization of pregnancy globally. While obstetric sonography is vital in situations where it is indicated, its routine use remains contentious. Knowing the attitude of women towards ultrasound will then guide the policy makers in designing health messages which will persuade them to change these beliefs. Aim: To explore knowledge, attitude and perceptions of pregnant women regarding antenatal ultrasound. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted during the period between January 2016 to April 2016 in the antenatal clinics attached to the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital attached to Bangalore Medical College, in which pretested Questionnaire was administered before and after conducting ultrasound examination to 200 consecutive volunteers. Data was analyzed using SPSS software for calculating the means, cross tabulations and chi square test in which the level of significance was kept at p 70%). But the same for assessing presentation, liquor status and abnormalities of uterus was only 30-40%. The awareness was least for placental position (25%). About 30% expressed that repeated scans were harmful and 109 patients (60%) said that the ultrasound done in our setup was as good as private clinics. Conclusion: This study shows that the knowledge and attitude of antenatal patients coming to our hospital was fairly good. Improved awareness is needed regarding safety and utility of ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department. Improving the literacy rate will go a long way in solving most of these problems.

Keywords

• awareness
• questionnaire
• obstetrics