Knowledge, Expectations and Source of Information of Pregnant Saudi Women Undergoing Second Trimester Ultrasound Examination

Abstract

Background: In Saudi Arabia, most antenatal units offer routine Ultrasound Scan (USS) in early and mid-trimester of pregnancy. USS examination is essential source of information for the obstetrical management of the pregnancy as well as a source of joy and reassurance for the mother about the wellbeing of her baby. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the obstetrics ultrasound department at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the knowledge of the mothers about the purpose of the USS, their expectations and the source of the information provided to them about the mid-trimester USS examination in addition to the respondents demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables. Association between women’s source of information and educational level was analyzed with chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: 600 women consented and completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were 21-30 years of age and (51.4%) had university education or higher while only 1.8% of the respondents were illiterate. 28-30% of the respondents thought the purpose of the scan is to know the gender of the baby or to confirm that the baby is alive. Only 20% of the respondents reported purposes of the USS examination was to screen for congenital malformations. The obstetrician was the main source of information and the nurse was the least. The utilization of any source of information about USS examination increased with the increase of the level of maternal education. Conclusion: Saudi mothers’ knowledge about the purpose of mid-trimester USS is modest. Utilization of healthcare providers other than the obstetrician and contemporary technology for information provision will improve mothers’ knowledge and choices and put them at the center of health care.