Analysis of the Use of Ultrasonography in Antenatal Care Services

Abstract

Infant mortality rate (IMR) remains a major issue in Indonesia. One strategy to reduce IMR is through early detection of complications in pregnant women using ultrasonography (USG) in antenatal care (ANC) services. However, utilization of USG at community health centers (Puskesmas) is often suboptimal. To analyze the implementation of USG use in ANC services at Puskesmas throughout Tulang Bawang District. This study is a descriptive qualitative research employing observation, surveys, document review, and in-depth interviews with head of the public health division, head of the family health section, doctors, midwives, and heads of Puskesmas providing USG ANC services, as well as analysis of monitoring documents and reporting systems. USG implementation is present in most Puskesmas; however, challenges include irregular record-keeping and lack of uniformity in USG reporting systems, as well as limitations in human resources and equipment maintenance. Not all health workers are optimally trained, and the standard operating procedures (SOP) for ANC USG services are not universally applied. Optimization of ANC USG usage must be pursued by strengthening regulations, health worker training, digitalizing reporting, and disseminating SOPs across all Puskesmas to improve early detection service quality for high-risk pregnancies.