Antenatal Doppler ultrasound implementation in a rural sub-Saharan African setting: exploring the perspectives of women and healthcare providers

• DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01233-5
• Publication Date: 2021-10-07T12:37:17Z
• Authors: Sam Ali; Olive Kabajaasi; Michael G. Kawooya; Josaphat Byamugisha; David Zakus; Aris T. Papageorg...; Kerstin Klipstein...; Marcus J. Rijken
• Keywords: Male; Rural Population; Epidemiology; FOS: Political science; Antenatal care; FOS: Health sciences; Doppler ultrasound; Focus group; 0302 clinical medicine; Sociology; 5. Gender equality; Pregnancy; Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Business; Political science; Qualitative Research; Global Maternal and Child Health Outcomes; Marketing; Low- and middle-income countries; 1. No poverty; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Health Service Utilization; Epidemiology and Management of Congenital Heart Disease; Social science; FOS: Sociology; 3. Good health; Medicine; Female; Qualitative; Family medicine; Health Personnel; FOS: Law; Nursing; FOS: Economics and business; 03 medical and health sciences; Qualitative research; Health Sciences; Genetics; Healthcare workers; Humans; Biology; Africa South of the Sahara; Research; Health care; Infant; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Gynecology and obstetrics; Pathophysiology and Management of Preeclampsia; Reproductive Medicine; FOS: Biological sciences; Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health; RG1-991; Reproductive medicine; Law

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends research to evaluate the effects of a single third trimester Doppler ultrasound examination on preventable deaths in unselected-risk pregnancies, particularly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where evidence base is scarce. While evaluating such technologies, researchers often ignore women health care provider perspectives. This study explored views experiences healthcare providers regarding use advanced technology optimize mothers their babies rural community mid-western Uganda. Methods We enrolled 53 10 providers, captured data perceptions, barriers, facilitators using focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews observations. Using qualitative content analysis, we inductively coded transcripts ATLAS.ti 8.0, detecting emerging themes. Results Women were afraid that would harm them or fetuses many had never seen an scan. majority found partners supportive attend antenatal services. Healthcare Kagadi Hospital unfamiliar with it guide clinical decisions. Other barriers implementation included shortage trained local staff, insufficient equipment, long distance from hospital, frequent power cuts. Conclusions limited exposure among Engaging male may potentially influence likelihood accepting improve while wide spread myths misconceptions about be changed by engagement. workers experienced difficulties offering follow-up detected complications required high level training. introducing machines weak systems, important adequately train avoid inappropriate interventions based misinterpretation findings, consider likely most beneficial, embed realistic practice guidelines.