title: [Annual assessement of a mobile ultrasonography service in the region of Ziguinchor, Senegal].
abstract: To provide rural populations with access to ultrasound scanning, a mobile ultrasound service was set up in the health districts of Sédhiou, Oussouye, Bignona and Ziguinchor in Casamance, Senegal. In 2001 the mobile unit performed a total of 56 missions and provided examinations to 1273 patients. The main indications were pregnancy assessment, amenorrhea, detection of pregnancy, painful pelvic tumors and hemorrhage. Findings allowed diagnosis of disorders in 25% cases. Disorders were pregnancy-related in 47% of cases and gynecological in 53%. Ultrasound examinations were performed for follow-up purposes in 15% cases, for therapeutic purposes in 24% and for referral to the regional hospital center in 61%. These findings demonstrate the utility of a mobile ultrasound service in managing health problems not only for the community but also for health-care structures. This service should be maintained until ultrasound equipment becomes available in district hospitals and personnel at those facilities have adequate training in ultrasound scanning.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine préventive et santé publique, Université Cheikh Anta DIOP (UCAD), Dakar, Sénégal. pndiaye@ised.sn
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ndiaye
authors.forename: F Badji
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Aris
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Diedhiou
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wone
authors.forename: A Tal
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Dia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008952:Mobile Health Units; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population; D012675:Senegal; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal