Pregnant women's beliefs, expectations and experiences of antenatal ultrasound in Northern Tanzania
Abstract
This qualitative study explored pregnant women's beliefs, expectations and experiences of the recently introduced antenatal ultrasound service in BomaNg'ombe hospital, Tanzania. Thematic analysis of 25 semi-structured interviews and 41 questionnaires was employed. The majority of women desired ultrasonography despite many not understanding the procedure or purpose. Patient's expectations included discovering fetal position, fetal sex and pregnancy problems. However, women frequently over-estimated the capacity of ultrasound, and had significant fears of harm. One sixth of questionnaire respondents said they did not want ultrasonography. Nonetheless since the service was introduced no woman has declined, and numerous interviewees believed scans were obligatory. Despite fears, some women reported enjoyment of ultrasound. Interviewees believed ultrasound would increase antenatal care (ANC) attendance. An informed consent policy and an education campaign are needed to reduce fears and maximise uptake and health gains. The effects of ultrasound availability on timely ANC uptake, including amongst women not currently accessing ANC, should be further researched.
RésuméCette étude qualitative a exploré les croyances, les attentes et les expériences des femmes enceintes par rapport aux services de l'ultrason prénatal qui ont été nouvellement introduits dans l'hôpital BomaNg'ombe, en Tanzanie. Nous avons employé l'analyse thématique de 25 interviews semi-structurées et 41 questionnaires. La plupart des femmes avaient besoin de l'ultrasonographie malgré le fait que beaucoup d'entre elles ne comprenaient pas la procédure ou l'intention. Les attentes des patientes comprenaient la découverte de la position fœtale, le genre fœtal et les problèmes de la grossesse. Pourtant, les femmes ont souvent surestimé la capacité de l'ultrason et elles avaient beaucoup du mal. Une sixième des interviewées à travers les questionnaires ont déclaré qu'elles ne voulaient pas l'ultrasonographie. Néanmoins, depuis que le service a été mis en place, aucune femme n'a refusé et plusieurs interviewées ont cru que les écogrammes étaient obligatoires. Malgré les craintes, quelques femmes ont déclaré qu'elles aiment l'ultrason. Les interviewées ont cru que l'ultrason va augmenter la fréquentation aux services prénatals (FSP). Une politique du consentement éclairé et une campagne éducative sont nécessaires pour réduire les craintes et pour tirer au maximum la captation et les rapports de la santé. Il faut approfondir des études sur les effets de la disponibilité sur la captation opportun de la FSP, y compris chez les femmes qui ne profitent pas actuellement de la FSP.
Key words: Fetal ultrasound, obstetric ultrasound, beliefs, expectations, experiences, Tanzania
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