Antenatal Ultrasound Utilization and Associated Factors Among Postpartum Women in Durame Town Public Health Institutions, Central Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Antenatal ultrasound scanning is a fundamental component of antenatal care across the globe. It is of significant public health importance because it enables early detection of fetal abnormalities, monitors fetal growth and maternal health, informs timely medical interventions, and supports strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical importance, there are limited studies on the use of antenatal ultrasound in developing countries, including Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

This study is aimed at assessing the antenatal ultrasound utilization and associated factors among postpartum mothers in Durame Town public health institutions, Central Ethiopia, 2025.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 379 postpartum mothers attending postpartum care from September 10 to November 10, 2025, in Durame Town public health institutions. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using structured and pretested questionnaires and analyzed by SPSS Version 26. Factors associated with antenatal ultrasound utilization among postpartum mothers were assessed using binary logistic regressions. The strength of the association of dependent and independent variables was presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) at a 95% confidence interval. The level of significance was declared at a p value of less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Based on the present study, the proportion of antenatal ultrasound utilization was 249 (65.7%) (95% CI: 60.9-70.5); 46.2% of mothers had early antenatal ultrasound utilization, done before they were 24 weeks. Factors associated with antenatal ultrasound utilization were living in urban residence (AOR = 3.25; 95% CI: 1.55-5.65), previous delivery with a congenital malformation (AOR = 2.906; 95% CI: 1.222-6.91), and mothers' knowledge on antenatal ultrasound utilization (AOR = 3.132; 95% CI: 1.425-6.88).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Based on the present study, the proportion of antenatal ultrasound utilization was lower than the WHO and FIGO recommendations. Significant factors of antenatal ultrasound utilization were residence, women's knowledge, and congenital malformation. Therefore, healthcare providers better to enhance awareness and education among pregnant women regarding the benefits of antenatal ultrasound services, whereas policymakers and health facility administrators better to improve service accessibility and availability to increase antenatal ultrasound utilization, especially in rural and underserved areas, and pay special attention to mothers with prior adverse pregnancy outcomes or congenital malformations.