Abstract
Background. Jordanian women’s knowledge, expectations and informed choice about the second trimester ultrasoundhave not been reported previously. To ensure that Jordanian women have an informed choice, it is essential to obtaininformation relating to their understanding and expectations of consenting to these routine procedures in pregnancy.Aim. To explore women’s knowledge and expectations of second trimester ultrasound, and to explore whether or notwomen received and retained sufficient information about the purpose, capability, limitations and drawbacks of secondtrimester ultrasound screening in terms of meeting the requirement of informed choice.Method. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data through self-report questionnaires from women who attendedthe antenatal clinic at King Abdullah University Teaching Hospital in Jordan. The women’s consent was obtained.Findings. Findings from open-ended questions related to informed choice indicated that for the majority of women,their understanding about the diagnostic abilities, technical limitations and drawbacks of the second ultrasound scandid not meet the requirement of informed choice. A total of 75% of women thought ultrasound screening could detectblood disorders, while 82% thought that a normal ultrasound scan meant that their baby would be born without anydefects. Only 14.3% considered screening for birth defects as the reason for their 18-20 week scheduled ultrasound,and 11% were aware of fetal problems that could go undetected by ultrasound screening. This study proposes the development of a national standard for evidence-based information to be provided for women about the proposed‘routine anomaly scan’
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 87-93 |
| Journal | Evidence Based Midwifery |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - Sept 2012 |
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Keywords
- Antenatal ultrasound
- knowledge
- pregnant women
- screening
- survey
- Middle East
- expectations
- informed
- choice
- evidence-based midwifery
