Contribution of Portable Obstetric Ultrasound Service Innovation in Averting Maternal and Neonatal Morbidities and Mortalities at Semi-Urban Health Centers of Ethiopia: A Retrospective Facility-Based Study

Background: The maternal and neonatal mortalities in Ethiopia are high. The Ministry of health and partners are committed to reducing these outcomes. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, innovations in ultrasound scanning and surveillance activities have been implemented for over two years. This study aims to estimate the contribution of obstetric ultrasound services on averted maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities in Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in 25 selected health centers, in three regional states of Ethiopia. Data were extracted from prenatal ultrasound registers. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. To claim statistically significant relationship among sartorial variables, a chi-square test was analyzed and P < 0.05 was the cut-off point. Results A total of 12,975 pregnant women were scanned over the two-year period. Half (52.8%) of the scanned women were residing in rural areas. The abnormal ultrasound report rate was 12.7% and almost all (98.4%) of cases were referred for confirmation of diagnosis and then treatment. The introduction of obstetric ultrasound services at health centers has contributed to the prevention of 1,970 maternal morbidities and mortalities per 100,000 live births and 19.05 neonatal morbidities and mortalities per 1,000 live births during the two-year period. The maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities averted showed a statistically significant difference among women residing in rural and semi-urban areas, X 2 , df (10) = 24.07, P = 0. 007 and X 2 , df (5) = 20.87. P = 0.00, 1 respectively. Conclusion After availing the appropriate ultrasound machines with essential supplies and capacitating mid-level healthcare providers on operating the machine, significant number of high-risk pregnant women were identified on time and managed or referred to health facilities with safe delivery services. Therefore, scaling-up limited obstetric ultrasound services in similar setups will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Finally, it is recommended community awareness be enhanced and pregnant women ultrasound service utilization be increased before the 24th week of gestational age.