ABSTRACT

Echography plays a crucial role in prenatal care by providing valuable information about fetal development and maternal health. However, the level of knowledge among pregnant women regarding the importance of echography in pregnancy remains understudied, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon. This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s knowledge regarding the significance of echography in pregnancy at Buea Regional Hospital. A cross-sectional study involving [insert number] pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic was conducted between [insert time frame]. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and knowledge of echography were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data analysis. The findings revealed that [insert findings regarding knowledge levels]. Multivariate analysis indicated that factors such as [insert significant determinants of knowledge]. These results underscore the importance of enhancing education and awareness programs to improve pregnant women’s understanding of the significance of echography in prenatal care at Buea Regional Hospital.

Keywords: Echography, prenatal care, pregnant women, knowledge, Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon.

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

 Obstetric ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of a baby (embryo or fetus) with in a pregnant woman, as well as the mother’ s uterus and ovaries. It does not use ionizing radiation and has no known harmful effects, and is the preferred method for monitoring pregnant women and their unborn babies. A Doppler ultrasound study- a technique that evaluates blood flow in the umbilical cord, fetus or placenta- may be part of this exam. This procedure requires no special preparation. Since only the women’s lower abdominal area needs to be exposed for this exam, she might want to wear a loose – fitting, two-piece outfit. Leave jewelry at home. An ultrasound can be used for a variety of reasons during pregnancy. More ultrasounds are ordered if they detected a problem in a previous ultrasound or blood test.

The joy that every expectant couple, family or community has when a woman gets pregnant is suddenly turned into sorrow and mourning when the woman dies during pregnancy or child birth, or when the baby dies. According to the world health organization (WHO), the five major causes of maternal mortality are haemorrhage, sepsis, complications of abortion, eclampsia, and obstructed labour (Baleet al, 2003). The WHO similarly list the most common causes of neonatal mortality as infections, birth asphyxia, bed injuries, preterm births, and birth defects (Bale et al, 2003). It is worth nothing that this mortality causes are conditions for which timely ultrasound imaging could be of immense help in early diagnosis and hence intervention, leading to the reduction of mortality rate amongst mothers and their babies. Ultrasound may also be done for nonmedical reasons, such as to produce images for the parents or to determine the sex of the baby. While ultrasound technology is safe for both mother and child, the use of ultrasound should be discouraged when there is no medical reason or benefit. (Martel, 2016).

Many people who hear the term “ultrasound” likely picture a pregnant woman in her doctor’s office getting a sneak peek of the baby growing inside her womb perhaps even finding out whether she should paint the nursery pink or blue. But while foetal imaging is one of the most common uses of ultrasounds, this diagnostic tool actually has many applications. (Sullivian, 2016)

Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses sound waves to develop ultrasound images of what’s going on inside the body. An instrument called a transducer emits high- frequency sound, inaudible to human ears, and then records the echoes as the sound waves bounce to determine the size, shape, and consistency of soft tissues and organs.

This information is relayed in real time to produce images on a computer screen. Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, have special training in how to perform the test. Then a radiologist or a doctor will interpret the ultrasound images. This technology can help diagnose and treat certain conditions (Boniface, 2013).

Ultrasound imaging has many uses in medicine, from confirming and dating a pregnancy to diagnosing certain conditions and guiding doctors through precise medical procedures. It also noted that most of these avoidable deaths (90%) occur in developing countries where ultrasound imaging is currently underutilized. And financial constraint has been cited as the main reason. However, the usefulness of ultrasound imaging in preventing these needless deaths has not been fully exploited. It is anticipated that low resource setting could benefit by prudent application of this modern technology which is a relatively affordable and save imaging modality so affordably and widely available that is unacceptable to watch such needles death occur when ultrasound application could help improve survival rate (Janelle, 2014).

To determine due dates, reveal the presence of twins or other multiples, and rule out ectopic pregnancies. They also are valuable screening tools in helping to detect potential problems, including some birth defects, placental issues, breech positioning, and others. Many expectant parents look forward to learning the sex of their babies via ultrasound midway through a pregnancy. And later in pregnancy, doctors can even use ultrasounds to estimate how large a baby is just before delivery (Janelle, 2014).

• Doctors employ ultrasound imaging in diagnosing a wide variety of conditions affecting the organs and soft tissues of the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, eyes, thyroid, a testicle. Ultrasounds do have some diagnostic limitations, however, sound waves do not transit well through dense bone or parts of the body that may hold air or gas, such as the bowel.
• Use during medical procedures. Ultrasound imaging can help the health provider during procedures such as needle biopsies, which require the doctor to remove tissue from a very precise area inside the body for testing in the laboratory.
• Therapeutic applications. Ultrasounds sometimes are used to detect and treat soft tissue injuries.
• Reducing mortality rates by ultrasound imaging in the first trimester

Ectopic pregnancy, abortion, and gestational trophoblastic disease a (GTDs) are the commonest condition of the first trimester that can cause maternal mortality, due to the possibility of severe haemorrhage, shock or sepsis. Patients usually present with bleeding and pain but can also remain asymptomatic for a long time, in some cases patient do not even realized they are pregnant, particularly in some cases of ectopic pregnancy and missed abortion. Ultrasound imaging is extremely useful for obtaining accurate diagnosis for this first trimester conditions. It is therefore important to exclude early pregnancy pathology in every woman of reproductive age who presents with amenorrhea, abnormal bleeding and pain, using diagnostic ultrasound imaging in combination with beta human chorionic gonadotropin (B- HCG). This approach to medical care can potentially reduce maternal mortality rates. In terms of perinatal mortality, the role of ultrasound imaging in detecting markers of chromosomal anomalies and structural defects in the foetus to enable early intervention or close monitoring is very important (Wong, 2017).

Problem Statement

Anemia remains a significant public health concern among pregnant women worldwide, with adverse implications for both maternal and fetal health outcomes (McLean et al., 2009). In Cameroon, anemia prevalence among pregnant women is notably high, posing serious challenges to maternal and child health (Temgoua et al., 2019). Despite the availability of antenatal care services at Buea Regional Hospital, the prevalence and determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending the hospital’s antenatal clinic remain inadequately documented. This gap in knowledge hinders the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the burden of anemia and improving maternal health outcomes in the Buea region.

Moreover, socio-economic factors such as poverty, limited access to healthcare services, and cultural practices further exacerbate the problem by restricting women’s access to nutritious foods and prenatal supplements (Nges et al., 2019). Addressing the issue of anemia among pregnant women requires a comprehensive understanding of its prevalence and associated risk factors within the local context.

Therefore, there is a pressing need to conduct a detailed study on the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Buea Regional Hospital. Such research would provide valuable insights into the magnitude of the problem, as well as the socio-economic and demographic determinants influencing anemia prevalence in this population. By addressing these gaps in knowledge, healthcare policymakers and practitioners can develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing the burden of anemia and improving maternal and child health outcomes in the Buea region.

Research Questions:

1. What is the level of knowledge among pregnant women attending Buea Regional Hospital regarding the importance of echography in prenatal care?
2. What are the socio-demographic factors associated with pregnant women’s knowledge of echography in pregnancy?
3. How does the obstetric history of pregnant women influence their understanding of the significance of echography in prenatal care?

Main Research Objective:

To assess pregnant women’s knowledge regarding the importance of echography in prenatal care at Buea Regional Hospital.

Specific Research Objectives:

1. To determine the level of knowledge among pregnant women attending Buea Regional Hospital regarding the role of echography in monitoring fetal development.
2. To identify the socio-demographic factors associated with pregnant women’s knowledge of the importance of echography in pregnancy.
3. To examine how the obstetric history of pregnant women, including parity and previous pregnancy complications, influences their understanding of the significance of echography in prenatal care.
4. To explore potential barriers to accessing echography services among pregnant women at Buea Regional Hospital.
5. To provide recommendations for improving education and awareness programs aimed at enhancing pregnant women’s knowledge of the importance of echography in prenatal care.

Justification of the Study

This study is justified by the need to address the gap in knowledge regarding pregnant women’s awareness of the importance of echography in prenatal care, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Buea Regional Hospital. Echography is a vital diagnostic tool in monitoring fetal development, detecting abnormalities, and assessing maternal health during pregnancy. However, limited understanding and awareness of the significance of echography among pregnant women may hinder their utilization of this essential healthcare service, potentially leading to missed opportunities for early detection and intervention in pregnancy-related complications.

By investigating pregnant women’s knowledge of echography at Buea Regional Hospital, this study seeks to fill a crucial gap in understanding and contribute to the improvement of prenatal care services. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the current level of awareness among pregnant women regarding the benefits of echography in pregnancy. This information is essential for designing targeted educational interventions aimed at enhancing pregnant women’s understanding of the importance of echography in prenatal care.

Furthermore, identifying socio-demographic factors associated with pregnant women’s knowledge of echography is critical for tailoring educational programs to reach vulnerable populations effectively. By understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by different demographic groups, healthcare providers can develop culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate interventions that address barriers to accessing prenatal care services.

Additionally, exploring how obstetric history influences pregnant women’s understanding of the significance of echography can shed light on factors that shape healthcare-seeking behaviors during pregnancy. This knowledge is essential for designing strategies to address misconceptions, alleviate fears, and promote early and regular attendance at prenatal care appointments.

Ultimately, the findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the enhancement of prenatal care services at Buea Regional Hospital and similar healthcare facilities in Cameroon. By improving pregnant women’s knowledge of echography, healthcare providers can empower women to actively engage in their prenatal care, leading to better maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Significance of the Study

Understanding pregnant women’s knowledge regarding the importance of echography in prenatal care holds significant implications for maternal and fetal health outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Buea Regional Hospital. Echography plays a crucial role in monitoring fetal development, detecting anomalies, and assessing maternal health during pregnancy. However, inadequate awareness and understanding of the significance of echography among pregnant women may hinder their utilization of this essential diagnostic tool, potentially compromising the timely detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.

By assessing pregnant women’s knowledge of echography at Buea Regional Hospital, this study aims to address critical gaps in understanding and improve the delivery of prenatal care services. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the current level of awareness among pregnant women regarding the importance of echography in pregnancy. This information can inform the development of targeted educational interventions aimed at enhancing pregnant women’s understanding of the benefits of echography in prenatal care.

Moreover, identifying socio-demographic factors associated with pregnant women’s knowledge of echography can help healthcare providers tailor educational programs to better reach vulnerable populations. By understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by different demographic groups, healthcare professionals can design interventions that are culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, and accessible to all pregnant women, regardless of socio-economic background or educational level.

Furthermore, exploring how obstetric history influences pregnant women’s understanding of the significance of echography can provide valuable insights into the factors that shape healthcare-seeking behaviors during pregnancy. Understanding the impact of previous pregnancy experiences on women’s attitudes towards echography can inform strategies to address misconceptions, alleviate fears, and promote early and regular attendance at prenatal care appointments.

Overall, the findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the improvement of prenatal care services at Buea Regional Hospital and similar healthcare facilities in Cameroon. By enhancing pregnant women’s knowledge of echography, healthcare providers can empower women to take an active role in their prenatal care, leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on assessing pregnant women’s knowledge regarding the importance of echography in prenatal care at Buea Regional Hospital in the South-West region of Cameroon. The scope encompasses pregnant women who are attending the antenatal clinic at the hospital during the study period.

Specifically, the study aims to investigate:

1. The level of knowledge among pregnant women regarding the role of echography in monitoring fetal development and assessing maternal health during pregnancy.
2. Socio-demographic factors influencing pregnant women’s knowledge of the importance of echography, including age, education level, marital status, and socioeconomic status.
3. The impact of obstetric history, such as parity, previous pregnancy complications, and previous experience with echography, on pregnant women’s understanding of the significance of echography in prenatal care.

The study will employ a cross-sectional research design, involving the collection of data through structured questionnaires administered to pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics to assess knowledge levels and inferential statistics to identify associations between socio-demographic factors, obstetric history, and knowledge of echography.

It is essential to note that the study will be conducted within the confines of Buea Regional Hospital and may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings or populations outside the study area. Additionally, the study will focus solely on pregnant women’s knowledge of echography and will not assess healthcare provider perspectives or the quality of echography services provided at the hospital.