Use of Ultrasound in Pregnancy Care in Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Gonzaga Mubuuke Aloysius, Kiguli-Malwadde Elsie, Businge Francis, Byanyima Rosemary Kusaba
Primary Institution: Makerere University, Uganda
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between the number of obstetric scans and patient management and outcomes in a rural Ugandan health center?
Conclusion
Obstetric sonography is popular in rural health settings but is often overused without improving obstetric outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 232 obstetric scans were performed for 105 deliveries, averaging 2.2 scans per delivery.
- 53.4% of the scans were classified as inappropriate.
- No significant differences in scan numbers were found between low- and high-risk pregnancies.
Takeaway
Doctors in Uganda are using ultrasound a lot during pregnancy, but many of those scans aren't really needed and don't help the mothers or babies.
Methodology
Retrospective observational study reviewing obstetric charts and scan requisition forms for deliveries.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of a radiologist and reliance on a radiographer for scans.
Limitations
The study was limited to one health center, which may not represent all lower-level health facilities.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 27 years; 80.9% were low-risk pregnancies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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