Women's perception of transvaginal sonography in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Available studies suggest that pregnant women's views on the desirability of routine ultrasound are influenced by their perceptions of its potential benefits and concern about possible adverse effects. To assess women's views of transvaginal sonography and to determine any correlation between their perception of the procedure and their prior knowledge and experience of it. Radiology department, federal medical centre, Asaba, Niger Delta, Nigeria. We surveyed women presenting with various gynecologic problems or complications of the first trimester. Data collection was by self-administered questionnaires using convenience sampling technique on women attending the clinic over a period of one year. Only women who had transvaginal sonography were included. A total of 250 women were recruited and interviewed. Transvaginal sonography was considered not embarrassing by 76%, acceptable by 86%, not painful by 87.2% and not stressful by 82% of the women. There were no statistically significant differences in the women's perception of the procedure whether they had prior knowledge and previous experience of the procedure or not [P > 0.05]. The majority of the women perceived transvaginal sonography favourably. Their perception of the procedure was favourable whether they had prior knowledge and previous experience of it or not