UTILIZATION OF EARLY OBSTETRIC ULTRASOUND SCAN AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN ASELLA TOWN, ARSI, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA, 2024

Abstract

Abstract Background: Early obstetric ultrasound utilization remains a global challenge, particularly in developing countries. Despite WHO recommendations for routine scans before 24 weeks gestation, many women face challenges that limit utilization of ultrasound services. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving early utilization of ultrasound scan services. Objective: To assess the utilization of early obstetric ultrasound scan and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Asella town, Arsi, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods and materials: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 462 pregnant women antenatal care at public health facilities in Asella town. The Study units were selected through systematic sampling technique. Data were collected by structured questionnaires which were developed from different literatures, and entered into Epi-data 3.1 and exported to SPSS 25. To find associated factors of early obstetric ultrasound scan, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. The presence and strength of associations were estimated using AOR with a 95% CI, and statistical significance was deemed at a p-v <0.05. Results: A total of 462 women answered to the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 100%. Prevalence of early obstetric ultrasound utilization in the study area was 76.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that variables like History for obstetric ultrasound scan (AOR 4.597, 95% CI: 2.022-10.454), Information/advice during ANC visit (AOR 3.961, 95% CI: 1.786–8.784), Knowledge about early obstetric ultrasound (AOR 5.057, 95% CI: 1.353– 18.898) and ANC (AOR 5.030, 95% CI: 2.519–10.044) were predictors of early obstetric ultrasound utilization. Conclusion: The prevalence of early obstetric ultrasound utilization was relatively high in the study settings compared with previous studies. History for obstetric ultrasound scan, Information/advice during ANC contact, History for Obstetric complication, Knowledge about early obstetric ultrasound and ANC contacted were predictors of early obstetric ultrasound utilization. Therefore, Stakeholders need to improve women’s awareness on the benefits of early obstetric ultrasound screening. Keywords: utilization, early obstetric ultrasound, Referral hospitals, Asella town