Psychology of Patients Presenting for Various Ultrasound Investigations in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Patients frequently have misconceptions about ultrasound examinations, such as thinking they would know their results right away after their ultrasound, misinterpreting the medical necessity of the examination, thinking ultrasound imaging involves ionizing radiation, and thinking the cost of the investigation is too high.  Objective: This study aimed to assess the psychology of patients presenting for ultrasound for various investigations in Speck Diagnostics, Enugu state, Nigeria. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey study was employed. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. A total of 200 responses from the online survey were collected and presented on a simple frequency table. Results: Most of the respondents were female 127(63.5%), while majority of them were between 31-40years and 41-50years representing 86(43.0%) and 51(25.5%) respectively. The majority of the respondents presented for obstetric ultrasound 70(35.0%). What first came to mind of the 101(50.5%) of the patients when referred for an ultrasound investigation were good treatment guides/diagnoses. The majority of the patients expressed fear 60(30.0%) and confusion 66(33.0%) when informed of the need to undergo an ultrasound investigation. The majority were most concerned about pain 60(30.0%) and discomfort 72(36.0%) during the procedure. the respondents agreed that their fears when referred for ultrasound investigations are related to the Cost of the procedure. The majority of the patients felt that their condition was very severe when referred for ultrasound investigation. Most of them feel anxious about their health condition when referred for an ultrasound investigation. Similarly, the majority of the patients were worried about cleanliness, fear about equipment being unsterile. The majority disagreed that the ultrasound investigation was a waste of money. Most of the patients expressed fear that severe illness might be diagnosed. Conclusion: No statistically significant correlation exists between the patient’s psychology when referred for ultrasound investigation and their age as well as gender.