Background: Preeclampsia is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and occurred in 11% of pregnancy-related maternal deaths in Texas. This study explored perceptions about preeclampsia prevention and screening among key informants in six Texas Panhandle counties (Deaf Smith, Gray, Parmer, Potter, Randall, and Swisher).

Methods. A qualitative study among 32 key informants was conducted from March to November 2024. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling, including healthcare professionals and community and organizational leaders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted; thematic analysis was carried out using ATLAS.ti (Version 25.0.1) to facilitate an iterative coding process, allowing for thematic identification of perceptions, challenges, and recommendations regarding preeclampsia prevention and education on low-dose aspirin.

Results: Key informants identified preeclampsia as a significant maternal health concern; three themes emerged. (1) Participants were aware of the importance of checking blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy but believed that pregnant patients were unaware of why blood pressure was checked or why it was important. (2) Although BP was checked regularly in clinic and healthcare settings, access to BP checking outside of this setting was limited and perceptions were mixed about home BP monitoring. (3) Non-healthcare professionals were unfamiliar with the use of low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention, while healthcare professionals were aware of prophylactic low-dose aspirin but described inconsistent recommendations.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the need for improved awareness, education, and messaging about preeclampsia across these six counties. Strategies are needed to educate healthcare professionals and patients, and to consistently implement preeclampsia prevention and screening interventions.