KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING OBSTETRIC ULTRASOUND AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AT HAYATABAD MEDICAL COMPLEX, PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Obstetric ultrasonography is widely used during antenatal care to estimate gestational age, assess fetal number and growth, identify selected fetal or placental abnormalities, and support clinical decision-making. However, pregnant women may not fully understand its purposes, capabilities, and limitations. Understanding their knowledge and attitudes can guide patient education and communication. Objective: To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding obstetric ultrasound among pregnant women attending Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at Hayatabad Medical Complex. A convenience sample of 288 pregnant women attending antenatal care and willing to participate was recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge of ultrasound applications, and attitudes toward safety, pain, accuracy, comfort, and importance. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize responses. Results: Of 288 participants, 176 (61.1%) were aged 20–30 years, 193 (67.0%) were reported as illiterate, and 272 (94.4%) were homemakers. A total of 124 (43.1%) reported previous ultrasonography for a reason other than pregnancy. Most participants recognized that ultrasound could estimate gestational age (264, 91.7%) and assess fetal wellbeing (253, 87.8%). Fewer identified its role in detecting abnormal pregnancy (221, 76.7%), assessing fetal/cord/placental position (199, 69.1%), or estimating the expected date of delivery (178, 61.8%). Regarding attitudes, 201 (69.8%) agreed that ultrasound was safe, 166 (57.6%) disagreed that it caused pain, 214 (74.3%) reported feeling comfortable during examination, and 210 (72.9%) considered ultrasound essential during pregnancy. Responses about accuracy were mixed: 138 (47.9%) agreed that ultrasound findings were more accurate, while 110 (38.2%) disagreed. Conclusion: Participants generally recognized several common uses of obstetric ultrasound and reported positive views about its importance and comfort. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps remained regarding its broader diagnostic role, and some participants expressed uncertainty or negative views about safety and accuracy. Clear, culturally appropriate counselling during antenatal care may help women understand the benefits and limitations of ultrasound.

Keywords: obstetric ultrasound; pregnancy; antenatal care; knowledge; attitude; cross-sectional study; Pakistan