Effects of introducing routinely ultrasound scanning during Ante Natal Care (ANC) clinics on number of visits of ANC and facility delivery: a cohort study

Archives of Public Health

Godfrey Mbaruku¹  Josephine Shaban¹  Iddajovana Kinyonge¹  Ritha Godfrey¹  Robert Tillya¹  Selemani Mbuyita¹ 

[1]Ifakara Health Institute, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

关键词: Facility delivery;    Ultrasound;    Vscan;    Attendance;    ANC;   

Others  :  1227529
DOI  :  10.1186/s13690-015-0086-8

 received in 2015-02-16, accepted in 2015-07-09,  发布年份 2015

【 摘 要 】

Background

Many countries have integrated antenatal care as an essential part of routine maternal health services. The importance of this service cannot be overemphasized as many women’s lives are usually saved particularly through early detection of pregnancy related complications. However, while many women would attend at least one visit for ante natal care (ANC), completion of recommended number of visits (4+) has been a challenge of many health systems particularly in developing countries like Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study to include ultrasound scanning using a portable hand-held Vscan to test whether by integrating it in routine ANC clinics at dispensary and health centre levels would promote number of ANC visits by women.

Health providers rendering ANC services in selected facilities were trained on how to use the simple technology of ultrasound scanning. Women living in catchment areas of the respective selected facilities were eligible to inclusion to the study when consented. A baseline status of the ANC attendance in the study area was established through baseline household and facility surveys. A total of 257 women consented and received the study treatment.

Results

Our results showed that, there was no a slight change between baseline (97.2 %) and endline (97.4 %) results among women attending ANC clinics at least once. However, there was a significant change in percentage of women attending ANC clinic four times or more (27.2 % during baseline and 60.3 %; p = 0001).

Conclusions

We conclude that, introduction of the simplified ultrasound scanning technology at lowest levels of care has an effect to improving ANC attendance in terms of number of visits and motivate facility delivery.

【 授权许可】

   
2015 Mbuyita et al.

【 图 表 】

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