Knowledge, Barriers and Enablers of Clients Utilizing Basic Obstetric Ultrasound Services in PHC Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Routine obstetric ultrasound scanning has been considered as one of the factors that has improved antenatal care and outcomes of pregnancy worldwide. This study aimed at assessing the obstetric problems experienced, knowledge of basic obstetric ultrasound services, enablers, and barriers affecting the utilization of these services among clients receiving care at PHC facilities in Rivers State.
Materials: This study utilized the descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional design and was conducted among 363 clients of PHC facilities in Rivers State, who were selected by convenience sampling. Data on knowledge of basic obstetric ultrasound services (BOUS), obstetric risks experienced, and possible enablers and barriers affecting access of the services was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis was done using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Results: In this study, 211 (58%) of the respondents had good knowledge of BOUS. Common obstetric risks experienced included teenage pregnancies 189 (52.1%), advanced maternal age pregnancies 188 (51.8%), pregnant mothers having existing health problems 164 (45.2%), among others. Enablers of service utilization included: ease of access to the facilities, health team adequacy, acceptance of the ultrasound scan services, provision of respectful treatment, among others. A barrier identified was: services were not readily available.
Conclusion: A large number of the respondents had good knowledge of BOUS. Various barriers that limited their effective utilization of these services were experienced. There is a need to boost the provision of the necessary infrastructural and manpower resources necessary for the provision of these services at the PHC level in Rivers State.
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