2026
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AN INQUEST INTO TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS' REQUEST FOR OBSTETRIC ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION AS PART OF ROUTINE ANTENATAL CARE
Authors
Abdulfatai .K. BAKRE
Publication Information
Volume:
1
Pages:
22
Submitted:
October 18, 2026
Status:
Pending
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Traditional medicine is becoming increasingly popular among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa, who often seek services from traditional birth attendants (TBAs). These TBAs frequently refer pregnant women for obstetric ultrasound examinations as part of routine antenatal care, but concerns exist regarding their understanding of the usefulness of these scans due to a lack of formal medical education.
Methods: Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with each interview lasting approximately 30 minutes. A research assistant assisted in interpreting English and medical terms for the TBAs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using SPSS version 24.
Result: The study involved 20 TBAs, with 18 participating in interviews. Most reported no formal healthcare or medical training, and only a few had some semi-formal education. Despite this, they demonstrated a good understanding of basic terms in obstetric ultrasound reports. TBAs primarily referred women for scans to determine gestational age, expected date of delivery, fetal presentation, gender, and well-being. They also received gifts (monetary, food, toiletries) for each referral. TBAs requested simplified ultrasound reports, highlighting key points in plain language.
Conclusion: The study highlighted TBAs' knowledge of obstetric ultrasound scans and outlined their motivations for requesting these examinations.
Implications for practice: Improved communication and report simplification could enhance TBAs' understanding and the efficacy of ultrasound referrals.
Keywords: Traditional medicine, Traditional birth attendants, obstetric ultrasound scan.
