Knowledge and Perceptions About Antenatal Fetal Ultrasound and Doppler Imaging Among Pregnant Women Attending a Private Radiology Clinical Setting in Rural Central India

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the understanding and perceptions of antenatal ultrasound among pregnant women attending a private radiology clinical setting in rural central India, as there is suboptimal uptake of antenatal fetal ultrasound and Doppler assessments in pregnant women despite their safety, availability, and low cost.

A total of 287 pregnant women self-completed a questionnaire with 16 statements each on knowledge and perception regarding antenatal ultrasound. The questionnaire was administered in the local language, Hindi, before their antenatal ultrasound assessment. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and a multivariate regression analysis was conducted to explore associations with good knowledge and perception.

The median age of participants was 25 years, and 51.57% were nulliparous. A total of 183 (63.76%) women had good knowledge, and 157 (57.40%) had good perceptions regarding antenatal ultrasound. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.90 and 0.81 for the knowledge and perception statements, respectively. Knowledge of the risk prediction capabilities of ultrasound and perceptions regarding radiation exposure and the risk of fetal abnormalities, pregnancy complications, and preterm birth were suboptimal. Approximately one-third of participants perceived that ultrasound should not be done more than once during pregnancy. Good knowledge and higher educational attainment were associated with positive perceptions of antenatal ultrasound.

Addressing the knowledge and perception gaps regarding the safety of antenatal ultrasound, trimester-specific use of antenatal ultrasound, and its risk prediction capabilities is necessary in the region.