Utilization of obstetric ultrasonography and findings in a cottage hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: The integration of ultrasound into routine obstetric workup has transformed antenatal care in resource-poor and remote communities in Africa. The present study aims to investigate the utilization of obstetric ultrasound at a cottage hospital in suburban Nigeria. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Obio Cottage Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South-South Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained before commencement of the study from the Health Research Ethics Committee of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital with reference number UCTH/HREC/33/533. Reports were retrieved from the records of the radiology unit of the study facility, and data including biometric data and radiological diagnosis were transferred to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for data analysis. Simple proportions and percentages were used to analyze the data. All statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Science version 21.0, IBM Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The total ANC visits at Obio Cottage Hospital was 28,072, with 27% (7689) utilization of ultrasound scan. The mean age and range of parity of attendees were 32 ± 2.3 and 1–5, respectively. Of the total scans performed, 99.93% was routine, while 0.07% (5) was clinical-based (targeted). Normal findings were 7520 (97.8%) of antenatal scans recorded, while abnormal cases, multiple gestation, and uncertain diagnosis accounted for 121 (1.57%), 44 (0.57%), and 4 (0.06%), respectively. Conclusion: The present study has shown a considerable volume of obstetric ultrasound scan in this cottage hospital, albeit, with low utilization compared to the number of antenatal registration. Findings were mainly normal with minimal need for referral for advance care.