Knowledge, Attitude and Beliefs of Gravid Women in Routine Obstetric Ultrasonography in Lagos, Nigeria 0 1
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/sjhrs.vol1no1.9Keywords:
Obstetric ultrasonography, antenatal care, knowledge, attitudeAbstract
Background: Obstetric ultrasonography plays a pivotal role in modern antenatal care, offering real-time imaging for assessing fetal development, placental location, amniotic fluid adequacy, and congenital anomalies. In resource-poor setting such as Nigeria, limited access to information, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, pervasiveness of traditional birth attendants, and infrastructural constraints have contributed to a complex relationship between patients and ultrasound services.
Aim: This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, prevailing attitudes, and actual beliefs of pregnant women in routine obstetric ultrasonography in selected public and private healthcare facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional design was employed across four purposively selected healthcare facilities. A total of 210 gravid women aged 18 years and above were recruited through stratified convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations in SPSS v26.0. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Most respondents were aged 26–35 years, had secondary education, and were in their second trimester. While 91% had previously undergone obstetric scans and 90.5% had received some explanation about its function, only 41.9% were aware that ultrasound is non-ionizing. Although 94.3% recognized its role in fetal wellbeing monitoring, misconceptions regarding safety and preventive value persisted. Notably, 76.7% expressed anxiety about ultrasound, and 38.1% believed it might harm the fetus. Nonetheless, overall attitudes were positive, with 87.1% reporting routine use and 82.9% expressing willingness to access ultrasound in private facilities.
Conclusion: Despite high utilization, significant knowledge gaps and emotional concerns persist. Improved antenatal counselling and targeted health education are recommended to ensure informed, safe, and evidence- based use of obstetric ultrasonography in urban Nigerian Cities.
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