iarjimphIARJIMPHIARJIMPH2709-331Xhttps://doi.org/10.47310/iarjimph.2024.v05i02.04Hip Health Matters: Evaluating Awareness of Hip Osteoarthritis in Kangra’s general PopulationPraveenKumarThakurSidhantKorlaAkshitPuriMS Orthopaedics. MO Specialist Orthopaedics at Civil Hospital Karsog, District Mandi,Himachal Pradesh, IndiaMS Orthopaedics. MO Specialist Orthopaedics at Civil Hospital Palampur, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaMS Orthopaedics. MO Specialist Orthopaedics at Civil Hospital Thural Distt Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaHip osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative joint disease that primarily affects older adults but can also impact younger individuals, particularly those with a history of joint injury, obesity, or genetic predisposition. Despite its prevalence, awareness and understanding of hip osteoarthritis are limited, especially in rural and semi-urban regions like District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of hip osteoarthritis among 400 adults in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Participants were selected using a sample size calculation based on a 95% confidence level and an estimated knowledge level of 50% regarding hip osteoarthritis. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire circulated through online platforms, including email and social media. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic factors and knowledge across four domains: symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of hip osteoarthritis. Data analysis was conducted using Epi Info V7 software, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study revealed a moderate level of general awareness of hip osteoarthritis, with 79.0% of participants having heard of the condition. Knowledge of specific symptoms varied, with 72.3% recognizing hip pain as a symptom, but only 64.3% aware of decreased range of motion. Awareness of causes such as aging (61.8%) and obesity (59.8%) was relatively high, while fewer participants recognized the role of repetitive stress (53.8%) and genetics (55.3%). Knowledge of prevention strategies was low, with 53.5% understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and only 45.0% recognizing the role of balanced nutrition. Treatment knowledge was also limited, with less than half of the participants aware of the benefits of medications (47.5%) and physical therapy (45.3%). Conclusion: While there is a foundational level of awareness about hip osteoarthritis among the population of District Kangra, significant gaps in knowledge regarding causes, prevention, and management persist. These gaps highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve public understanding and promote early detection and effective management of hip osteoarthritis.