Risk Factors of Preeclampsia Among Pregnant Women Attending Al-Batool and Al-Kansaa Teaching Hospitals in Mosul City. A Case Control Study

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identification of risk factors is essential for early detection and prevention, particularly in low-resource settings. Objectives: To identify the risk factors of preeclampsia among pregnant women attending Al-Batool and Al-Kansaa Teaching Hospitals in Mosul city. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted over six months from October 2023 to April 2024. A total of 200 pregnant women beyond 20 weeks of gestation were included, comprising 100 cases diagnosed with preeclampsia and 100 controls without the condition. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant risk factors for preeclampsia included previous history of preeclampsia (OR = 137.05), followed by long interpregnancy interval (OR = 29.61) and chronic hypertension (OR = 14.52). Advanced maternal age (35–39 years) also showed a strong association (OR = 15.54), while positive family history of preeclampsia (OR = 8.43) and hypertension (OR = 4.29) were significant contributing factors. Nulliparity (OR = 5.27) and grand multiparity (OR = 3.98) were also significantly associated with preeclampsia. Younger maternal age (14–19 years) showed a moderate but significant risk (OR = 3.85). In contrast, short interpregnancy intervals (<2 years) demonstrated a protective effect. No significant associations were observed with occupation, diabetes mellitus, renal disease, multiple pregnancy, or gestational diabetes. Conclusions: Preeclampsia is a multifactorial condition associated with several identifiable risk factors. Early identification of high-risk women and strengthening antenatal care services are essential to reduce maternal and perinatal complications.