Contribution of Portable Obstetric Ultrasound Service Innovation in Averting Maternal and Neonatal Morbidities and Mortalities at Semi-urban Health Centers of Ethiopia: a Retrospective Facility-based Study

Overview

Journal BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics

Date 2022 Apr 28

PMID 35484533

Authors

Hailemariam Segni Abawollo

Zergu Tafesse Tsegaye

Binyam Fekadu Desta

Ismael Ali Beshir

Birhan Tenaw Mengesha

Asfaw Adugna Guteta

Atrie Fekadu Heyi

Tsega Teferi Mamo

Zenawork Kassa Gebremedhin

Heran Demissie Damte

Meseret Zelealem

Mesele Damte Argaw

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The maternal and neonatal mortalities in Ethiopia are high. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, innovations in ultrasound scanning and surveillance activities have been implemented at health centers for over 2 years. This study aims to estimate the contribution of obstetric ultrasound services on averted maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities in Ethiopia.

Methods: A retrospective facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in 25 selected health centers. Data were extracted from prenatal ultrasound registers. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. To claim statistically significant relationship among sartorial variables, a chi-square test was analyzed and P < 0.05 was the cut-off point.

Results: Over the 2 years, 12,975 pregnant women were scanned and 52.8% of them were residing in rural areas. Abnormal ultrasound was reported in 12.7% and 98.4% of them were referred for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment. The ultrasound service has contributed to the prevention of 1,970 maternal and 19.05 neonatal morbidities and mortalities per 100,000 and 1,000 live births respectively. The averted morbidities and mortalities showed a statistically significant difference among women residing in rural and semi-urban areas, X, df (10) = 24.07, P = 0. 007 and X, df (5) = 20.87. P = 0.00, 1 respectively.

Conclusion: After availing the appropriate ultrasound machines with essential supplies and capacitating mid-level providers, significant number of high-risk pregnant women were identified on time and managed or referred to health facilities with safe delivery services. Therefore, scaling-up limited obstetric ultrasound services in similar setups will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It is recommended to enhance community awareness for improved utilization of ultrasound services by pregnant women before the 24th week of gestational age.

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