The Pan African Medical Journal (Nov 2009)
Current knowledge, attitudes and practices of expectant women toward routine sonography in pregnancy at Naguru health centre, Uganda
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ultrasound has become a routine part of care for pregnant women in Uganda, being one of a range of techniques used in screening. However, it differs from most others because it allows women to view their babies. Routine obstetric sonography is now globally recognized as one of the ways through which maternal mortality can be reduced. This study aimed at finding out the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women towards prenatal sonography at Naguru Health Centre, Uganda. METHODS: Exploratory -descriptive study using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data and bivariate, multivariate and logistic regression analysis was used for quantitative data. RESULTS: Three themes emerged; Knowledge, Attitude and Practices. Women’s knowledge, attitude and practices of obstetric sonography were influenced mainly by their biosocial factors like gravidity, education level and occupation. All women expressed concern that obstetric sonography could lead to cancer. CONCLUSION: Obstetric sonography is highly appreciated as being vital for antenatal care. However, there is need for mothers and health care providers to be well informed about the safety and specific purposes of obstetric sonography and what it can and cannot achieve.
