Antenatal women’s knowledge and attitudes respecting the practice of ultrasonography in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Widely acknowledged as a crucial tool for antenatal care follow-up, ultrasound diagnoses early pregnancy problems and lowers maternal mortality. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the pregnant women's attitudes, knowledge, and related factors with regard to the safe use of ultrasonography in hospital research.

METHODS: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to September 2023 at the Obstetrics department of Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH), enrolling 304 pregnant women who came for antenatal care and referred to Radiology department for routine follow-up. 15 consecutive volunteers were given a pretested questionnaire both before and after the ultrasonography examination. Data analysis by IBM SPSS 22.0. The quantitative variable's percentage, frequency, and standard deviation calculations. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude. Chi-square test with a p-value of less than 0.05 for significance.

RESULTS: A total 304 pregnant women participated by questionaries and face to face interview in this study. The age less than 25 years found 41.1% higher compared to others age groups. Pregnant women who agreed to safe use of antenatal ultrasonography that noticed fairly good of knowledge and a positive attitude at 61.6% and 65.5%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression of knowledge and attitudes revealed statistically significant relationships age between 26 and 30 and over 30 years (AOR 0.94, 95% CI, (0.44–1.66), (AOR 1.35, 95% CI, (0.78–1.77), educational background (AOR 0.53 95% CI, 0.12-2.36), occupation (AOR 0.186, 95% CI, 0.053-0.67), and location of residence in cities (AOR 0.151 95% CI, 0.033-0.44) and attitudes (AOR 0.63 95% CI, 0.78-2.68), educational background (AOR 0.54 95% CI, 0.11-2.17), occupation (AOR 0.181,95% CI, 0.049-0.66), and location of residence in cities (AOR 0.153, 95% CI, 0.036-0.55) respectively.

CONCLUSION: According to this study, pregnant women have a generally good magnitude of knowledge and attitude regarding ultrasonography. Enhancing pregnant women's knowledge can be achieved by health workers in antenatal care facilities teaching them about the efficacy of ultrasonography.