Evaluation of Pregnant Women's Knowledge About Preeclampsia in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Iraqi pregnant women have a higher prevalence of preeclampsia (PE) compared to pregnant women in neighboring developing nations. Several maternal characteristics, such as gestational weight gain (GWG), mode of delivery, and neonatal complications, have been linked to PE. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge of pregnant women about PE. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kurdistan region in Iraq from 2022 to 2023. Data on women's knowledge was collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of 12 questions. The collected data was then analyzed using statistical methods such as the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression. Results: A total of 200 pregnant women diagnosed with PE and hypertension were included in the present study. The majority of participants (n=85; 42.5%) were between the ages of 28 and 37. Additionally, most participants (n=129; 64.5%) were from urban areas, with 45% (n=90) of them being obese. As for the participants' knowledge about PE, only 24.55% (n=49) were unaware of the correct answer, while 61% (n=122) stated that family history is not a risk factor for PE. On the other hand, 60% (n=120) of the participants were aware that previous PE is a risk factor for the current pregnancy, and 58.5% (n=117) indicated the importance of urine tests for pregnant women. Overall, the majority (n=144; 72%) had a low level of knowledge, while a small proportion (n=21; 10.5%) had good and high knowledge about PE. Conclusion: The present study provides a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge of PE among Kurdish women, highlighting specific areas where intervention and education could potentially yield significant impact.