Knowledge and practices of pregnant women towards sonography in Awach health centre 1v ,Gulu district.

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound is noninvasive imaging modality used to image fetus in utero, in Uganda, it's recommended that all mothers should have an ultrasound scan done in the second and third trimester (Uganda clinical guidelines 2016) this study aimed to established the knowledge and practices of pregnant women towards ultrasound scan in Awach health centre iv Gulu district Objectives: This study aimed to established the knowledge and practices of pregnant mothers on ultrasonography in Awach health centre iv Gulu district Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was used involving 60 pregnant women who reported for antenatal clinic in Awach health centre iv Gulu district, convenience sampling techniques was used to recruit the participants in the study, the data was collected and using interviewer administered questionnaires and was analyzed quantitatively into descriptive tables ,percentages and graphs Results: The study had a response rate of 100% .most participants had a good knowledge of Obstetrics ultrasound scan.however there was misconceptions that ultrasound has harmful effects. Generally participants had a positive attitudes but poor practices towards obstetrics ultrasound scan.long waiting time and lack of privacy were reported by most participants as leading factors that contributed to the poor practices Conclusion: This study shows that knowledge of pregnant women towards obstetrics ultrasound in Awach health centre iv Gulu district were good however thier practices were poor .the concerns that needs to be addressed to improve practices including patients privacy ,waiting time ,unavailability of radiographer and misconceptions regarding the safety of ultrasound that it's causes cancers to mothers and unborn baby