Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State.
Libyan J Med. 2009 Dec 1;4(4):140-2. doi: 10.4176/090424.
Limited information exists on maternal perspectives of prenatal sonogram in north-eastern Nigeria. This study was aimed at documenting the views and expectations of pregnant women concerning prenatal sonogram as well as their level of awareness of its purpose, limitations and safety in a predominantly Moslem society. A survey was carried out on a convenience sample of 150 patients referred from ante-natal clinics for prenatal sonogram, by administering semi-structured questionnaires. The results show that 61.3% of the women had prenatal sonogram, with little or no information about the purpose, capabilities and limitations of the procedure. 24.7% had neither formal western nor Islamic educational background that may have influenced their perceptions. Most of the women (81.3%) were sponsored by either government or their husbands, 72.7% perceived sonogram to be affordable and 63.4% viewed sonographic results as reliable. The perceived main reasons for having a prenatal sonogram were to determine the expected date of delivery and foetal well-being, and to obtain reassurance of maternal health. Sex determination and number of foetuses were the least considered reasons. The study indicates that providing pregnant women with adequate information and sensitising them to the purpose and limitations of sonograms is necessary to guarantee its rational utilisation. Improving patient care, enhancing the skill of sonographers and providing more facilities would improve the services and patients' perspectives of prenatal sonography.
在尼日利亚东北部，有关产妇对产前超声检查的看法的信息有限。本研究旨在记录孕妇对产前超声检查的看法和期望，以及她们在以穆斯林为主的社会中对其目的、局限性和安全性的认知程度。通过问卷调查的方式，对来自产前诊所的 150 名接受产前超声检查的患者进行了一项方便抽样调查。结果表明，61.3%的妇女接受了产前超声检查，但对该检查的目的、功能和局限性知之甚少。24.7%的妇女既没有接受过正规的西方教育，也没有接受过伊斯兰教育，这可能影响了她们的认知。大多数妇女（81.3%）由政府或丈夫资助，72.7%的人认为超声检查价格可承受，63.4%的人认为超声检查结果可靠。进行产前超声检查的主要原因是确定预期的分娩日期和胎儿的健康状况，并获得对母亲健康的保证。性别鉴定和胎儿数量是最不被考虑的原因。研究表明，为孕妇提供充分的信息，并使其了解超声检查的目的和局限性，是保证其合理利用的必要条件。改善患者护理、提高超声技师的技能并提供更多设施，将改善产前超声检查的服务和患者体验。
