The Value of Mobile Ultrasound Services in Rural Communities in South-South Nigeria

Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017 Oct 26;5(7):1011-1015. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2017.191. eCollection 2017 Dec 15.

Abstract

Aim: This paper examines the activities of mobile services units including ultrasound services in rural and urban communities in the Calabar region of South-South, Nigeria.

Materials and methods: Consenting individuals were invited and attended five medical outreach activities in rural and urban areas of the Calabar region between January and June 2016. Abdomino-pelvic scans were done. Subsequently the results were analyzed.

Results: Five hundred and seventy-four (574) individuals had Abdomino-pelvic scans done, using a curvilinear probe to assess the abdomino-pelvic organs. The female to male ratio was 1.46:1. The age ranged from 1-78 years with a mean of 40.63 (standard deviation of 17.5). The commonest sonographic finding was uterine fibroids, 21 (8.1%). Fifty-four percent of the scans were normal. The commonest sonographic finding in men was prostatic enlargement.

Conclusion: Medical outreach activities provided by mobile units provide much needed ultrasound services in poor resource settings in Nigeria. Significant clinical pathologies were identified at fairly high rates.

Keywords: Abdomino-pelvic scans; Mobile ultrasound; Prostatic enlargement; Uterine fibroids.