BACKGROUND:
Pre-eclampsia affects 5–8% of pregnancies and remains a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity. Despite the importance of prevention and early detection, little is known about women’s understanding of pre-eclampsia in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES:
To examine the knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours of women of childbearing age in Saudi Arabia regarding pre-eclampsia.

METHODS:
A nationwide cross-sectional online survey of women in Saudi Arabia aged 18–49 conducted between August and December 2024 after ethics approval. The Arabic or English survey assessed pre-eclampsia knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours. Forty-eight knowledge questions were scored +1 for correct, -1 for incorrect, and 0 for ‘I don't know’. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS:
The majority of the 440 women participated were Saudi nationals (n=416; 94.5%), married (n=358; 81.4%), and had a bachelor's degree (n=219; 49.8%). Most had pregnancy (n=362; 82.3%), and 36 (8.2%) experienced pre-eclampsia. Knowledge was limited, mean 2.5 (SD = 6.9; score range -14 to +35). One-third (n=136; 30.9%) did not know pre-eclampsia symptoms. Of those diagnosed, 16 (47.1%) were dissatisfied with healthcare providers' information. Knowledge scores differed by age (F=3.81, p =0.023), employment (F=4.52, p =0.004), education (F=5.28, p <0.001), and income (F=4.39, p =0.005), but not by nationality, marital status, or residential location. Culture and religion influenced how women handled preeclampsia (n=117; 26.8%).

CONCLUSIONS:
Significant gaps exist in knowledge of preeclampsia among women of childbearing age in Saudi Arabia, particularly among women with lower education and income.

KEY MESSAGE:
Culturally appropriate, midwife-led education and broader public health initiatives are needed to raise awareness and support preventive health behaviours. Poster session 4 (Group B)