Awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding obstetrical ultrasound among pregnant women in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Introduction: Obstetric ultrasound (OU) is crucial for monitoring the health of developing fetuses and expectant mothers, aiding in the detection of congenital anomalies and pregnancy-related complications. Effective prenatal care relies on understanding the role of OU in managing reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) regarding obstetric ultrasonography among pregnant patients at City Ultrasound Institute, Abbottabad, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 23, 2023, to February 9, 2024, involving 159 female outpatients. Data were collected using a dichotomous scale questionnaire assessing KAP related to OU. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The average gestational age of participants was 29.6 weeks. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores for OU were 67.8%, 67.7%, and 86.6%, respectively. Key findings include: 31.4% of participants knew about OU, 59.7% considered it necessary to confirm pregnancy, and 78% believed it was needed at different stages of pregnancy. Most participants (84.9%) recognized OU's ability to detect anomalies, though 15.7% thought it might harm the fetus. In terms of practice, 88.6% had access to OU facilities, and 90.5% recommended OU to others. However, 9.4% felt their privacy was compromised during scans. Conclusion: The study reveals that while the practice of OU is widely adopted, there is a significant gap in knowledge among pregnant women regarding its full benefits. Many participants view OU primarily for confirming pregnancy or checking gender, rather than its broader role in monitoring fetal and maternal health.