Authors: Shaymaa Abdalal , Maha Ahmad A Hijan , Hanan Mohammed Ahmad , Rzan Bilqasim Alzubaidi , Rawan Sami Mohammed Ibrahim , Duaa Faisal Mohammed Hamza , Haifaa Nafea Alshareef , Nouf Mohammed Moussa , Sara Abdulilah Balkhair , Waad Hussain Alomari ,

Abstract

Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are among the most common causes of maternal morbidity and unwanted pregnancy outcomes. Limited data are available regarding the knowledge of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia towards RTIs. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of RTIs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2025 with 330 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire onsociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of RTI symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to identify the associations between various levels of knowledge and participant characteristics.

Results: Most participants were Saudi, with a median age of 33 years. While 65% had high knowledge scores, awareness of transmission routes and preventive measures remained limited. Only 31% identified sexual contact as a mode of transmission, and 2.4% reported condom use. Higher education and employment were significantly associated with better knowledge(p < 0.05). Employed women were more than twice as likely to have high knowledge (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.23–5.60).

Conclusion: Awareness of reproductive tract infections among pregnant women was moderate, with significant gaps in the knowledge of prevention and transmission. Higher education and employment were strong predictors of awareness. Integrating  structured evidence-based health education into antenatal care may improve knowledge, reducing the risk of infection, and enhancing maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: RTI, pregnant women, antenatal care, health empowerment.