Impact of Obstetric Ultrasound Integration on Maternal Care Continuity: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Rural Ghana

The study focused on weak continuity of maternal health care, particularly in rural Ghana, where maternal mortality is high despite expanded antenatal coverage. In this study, researchers explored the effect of bringing obstetric ultrasound across the antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) units in East Mamprusi and Bunkprugu Districts on service uptake. They used a quasi-experimental pre–post design, gathering data from facility records and structured questionnaires. Therein lies the intervention: 24 ultrasound machines, trained providers, and ultrasound integration into routine maternal health services. In the results, significant improvements were seen. Antenatal care (ANC) completion increased from 42% to 63% (χ² = 45.6, p < 0.001). Skilled delivery uptake rose from 55% to 71% (χ² = 32.4, p < 0.001). Attendance at PNC increased slightly from 28% to 41% (χ² = 18.7, p < 0.001). Women considered ultrasound reassuring and motivating, and healthcare providers reported feeling more confident in the provision of care. The regression analysis showed that the presence of ultrasound improved ANC completion (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.8), skilled delivery (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4–2.5), and postnatal attendance (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.2) significantly.In addition, our qualitative findings supported these results."I feel safe and encouraged to stay with the care when I can see the baby on your screen," one woman said.This was very much the view of service staff, a midwife adding: “Before, the mother would question our instructions. But when she saw her baby on that screen, she believed us more. "Other service personnel stressed an advantage in clinical practice: “Ultrasound made us more confident about recognizing-and so dealing with complications earlier rather than waiting till they were too late." This study shows that obstetric ultrasound enhances maternal health through clinically assisted practices as well as a behavioral stimulus. Longitudinal studies are recommended for future research to investigate long-term impacts and sociocultural constraints. Finally, ultrasound revolutionized the utilization of maternal health services in rural Ghana and helped move the needle on reaching SDG 3.1 through the reduction of preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.