myMicrosoft Office User202025-01-11T08:03:00Z2025-01-11T08:04:00Z2025-01-11T08:04:00Z6344719653163462305416Silent Threats: Evaluating Knowledge of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Among Reproductive-Age Women in District KangraArticle HistoryReceived: 2024-08-21Revised: 2024-09-18Accepted: 2024-10-21Published: 2024-11-27Author DetailsDr Pankaj Sharma1, Dr Kritika Katoch2*Authors Affiliations1MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zonal Hospital Dharamshala, Kangra H.P EMAIL ID - docpank9090@gmail.com 2MS Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Zonal Hospital Dharmashala, Kangra, H.P. Email id - katochkritika14@gmail.comCorresponding Author*Dr Kritika KatochDOI:How to Cite the Article:Pankaj Sharma & Dr Kritika Katoch; Silent Threats: Evaluating Knowledge of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Among Reproductive-Age Women in District Kangra, International Academic Research Journal of Internal Medicine & Public Health 5.2(2024) Pp: 1-6.Copyright @ 2024: This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non commercial use (NonCommercial, or CC-BY-NC. ND) provided the original author and source are credited.How to Cite:Pankajsharma&DrKritikaKatoch; Silent Threats: Evaluating Knowledge of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Among Reproductive-Age Women in District Kangra, International Academic Research Journal of Internal Medicine & Public Health 5.2(2024) Pp: 1-6./9j/4QC8RXhpZgAASUkqAAgAAAAGABIBAwABAAAAAQAAABoBBQABAAAAVgAAABsBBQABAAAAXgAA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=
PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 2International Academic Research Journal of Internal Medicine & Public HealthISSN (Print) : 2709-3301& ISSN (Online) : 2709-331XLanguage :EnglishDOI Prefix: 10.47310/iarjimph/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAA3ADcAAD/4QCMRXhpZgAATU0AKgAAAAgABQESAAMAAAABAAEAAAEaAAUA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Website :https://iarconsortium.org/iarjimph/Research Article PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 1Abstract: Background: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a significant public health concern among reproductive-age women, contributing to severe complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain. Despite its prevalence, awareness and knowledge about PID, its risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures remain inadequate, particularly in rural regions. District Kangra, characterized by its socio-cultural and economic diversity, offers a unique context for understanding public awareness of PID and identifying barriers to healthcare access.Material and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, over three months from July to September 2024. A sample of 400 reproductive-age women (18–45 years) was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-validated structured questionnaire divided into two sections: socio-demographic information and PID knowledge assessment. The questionnaire included 20 multiple-choice questions addressing PID symptoms, risk factors, complications, prevention, and barriers to care. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify associations between socio-demographic variables and knowledge levels.Results: The study revealed that 78% of participants identified PID as an infection of the reproductive organs, while 71% recognized pelvic pain as a key symptom. Awareness of complications such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy was strong (80% and 76%, respectively). However, gaps were noted in understanding preventive measures and risk factors, with 63% failing to identify that age alone is not a significant risk factor. Socio-cultural and financial barriers were reported by 73% and 67% of participants, respectively. Knowledge scores were classified as very good (27%), good (38%), fair (24%), and poor (11%), highlighting significant variations in awareness levels. Rural residents and participants with lower educational attainment demonstrated poorer knowledge levels, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions.Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for community-centered interventions to enhance PID awareness, focusing on addressing misconceptions and socio-cultural barriers. Integrating PID education into reproductive health programs, providing financial and logistical support for screenings, and leveraging community health workers can significantly improve knowledge and health outcomes. The findings serve as a foundation for designing scalable public health initiatives tailored to rural settings like Kangra.Keywords: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, PID awareness, reproductive health, rural healthcare, women’s health, Kangra district, socio-cultural barriers, preventive healthcare.INTRODUCTIONPelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a significant public health concern, particularly among reproductive-age women, due to its potential to cause chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancies, and infertility. PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often resulting from untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Despite its serious health implications, PID remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, primarily due to low levels of public awareness and understanding of its symptoms, causes, and preventive measures.[1-4]In developing regions, including parts of India, social stigma surrounding sexual health, coupled with limited access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, exacerbates the challenge of managing PID. District Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, with its predominantly rural population, faces additional barriers such as inadequate health education, cultural taboos, and socio-economic disparities that hinder timely diagnosis and treatment of reproductive health conditions. These challenges highlight the urgent need to assess and improve knowledge about PID among women in this region.[5-7]Existing research underscores the critical role of community awareness in early detection and prevention of PID. Educating women about risk factors, early symptoms, and the importance of seeking timely medical care can reduce complications and improve reproductive health outcomes.[8,9] However, there is limited data on the awareness and knowledge levels regarding PID among women in rural Indian settings, including Kangra. Understanding these knowledge gaps is essential for developing effective educational campaigns and healthcare policies tailored to the local context.This study aims to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of PID among reproductive-age women in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. By identifying gaps in understanding and barriers to accessing care, this research seeks to inform targeted interventions that empower women with the knowledge to safeguard their reproductive health and promote early intervention strategies in this underserved population.MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGYResearch ApproachThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) among reproductive-age women in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.Study DesignThe study employed a structured questionnaire-based survey to evaluate public understanding of PID, its symptoms, risk factors, complications, and prevention strategies.Study AreaThe research was conducted in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, characterized by a predominantly rural population with varying socio-economic and educational backgrounds. This area was selected due to its limited healthcare accessibility and prevalent socio-cultural barriers to reproductive health education.Study DurationThe study was carried out over three months, from August to October 2024, allowing sufficient time for participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis.Study PopulationThe target population included women aged 18–45 years residing in Kangra district for at least one year. This inclusion criterion ensured participants were familiar with local healthcare practices and cultural norms.Sample SizeA sample size of 400 participants was calculated using a 95% confidence level, an estimated 50% awareness level of PID, and a 5% margin of error. An additional 5% was included to account for potential non-responses, ensuring robust data collection.Sampling TechniqueParticipants were selected using a stratified random sampling method to ensure representation from diverse socio-demographic groups, including different age groups, educational levels, and occupations.Study ToolA pre-validated structured questionnaire was developed and divided into two sections:Socio-Demographic Details: This section collected data on participants' age, education level, occupation, marital status, and income.Knowledge and Awareness Assessment: This section included 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions focusing on:Understanding of PID and its symptoms (e.g., pelvic pain, abnormal discharge).Awareness of risk factors (e.g., untreated STIs, multiple sexual partners).Knowledge of complications (e.g., infertility, ectopic pregnancy).Familiarity with preventive measures (e.g., safe sexual practices, timely treatment of infections).Attitudes toward seeking medical care for reproductive health issues.Each correct response was awarded one point, and scores were categorized as:Very Good: >80% correct responses.Good: 60–79% correct responses.Fair: 41–59% correct responses.Poor: <40% correct responses.Data CollectionData were collected using both in-person and online surveys:In-person surveys were conducted in community centers, health facilities, and public spaces to include participants with limited internet access.Online surveys were distributed through social media platforms and messaging applications to reach tech-savvy individuals.Data collectors were trained to ensure consistency and confidentiality during the process.Data AnalysisData were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Epi Info V7 software. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated for awareness levels and socio-demographic variables. Chi-square tests were employed to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge scores.Ethical ConsiderationsEthical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional review board. Participants were provided with detailed information about the study and gave informed consent before participation. Confidentiality and anonymity were strictly maintained, and respondents were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without repercussions.RESULTSTable 1 highlights the socio-demographic characteristics of the 400 participants. The majority were women (55%), reflecting a strong focus on the demographic most directly impacted by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). The largest age group was 26–35 years (42%), followed by 36–45 years (36%), emphasizing the study's relevance to the reproductive age group. Education levels were varied, with the highest proportion (29%) having completed secondary school, while 26% had only primary-level education, and 13% had no formal education, underlining the need for tailored educational outreach. Most participants were homemakers (45%), followed by those engaged in agriculture/labor (24%) and service roles (23%). Additionally, 75% of the respondents were married, and household income data revealed that 64% fell within the lower income brackets (<20,000 INR), highlighting economic constraints as a potential barrier to accessing healthcare services.Table 1: Socio-Demographic Variables of Study ParticipantsVariableCategoriesFrequency (n)Percentage (%)Age Group (Years)18–258822.026–3516842.036–4514436.0Education LevelNo formal education5213.0Primary school10426.0Secondary school11629.0Undergraduate degree9624.0Postgraduate degree328.0OccupationHomemaker18045.0Agriculture/Labor9624.0Service (Private/Govt)9223.0Business328.0Marital StatusMarried30075.0Unmarried10025.0Monthly Household Income<10,000 INR10025.010,001–20,000 INR15639.020,001–40,000 INR10025.0>40,000 INR4411.0Table 2 provides a comprehensive overview of participant awareness and knowledge regarding PID. While 78% recognized PID as a reproductive organ infection, awareness of its association with untreated STIs and safe sexual practices was notably high at 74% and 78%, respectively. Knowledge of symptoms, such as pelvic pain (71%), and complications like infertility (80%), was encouraging, but understanding of socio-cultural and financial barriers (73% and 67%) indicated areas requiring intervention. Moreover, 82% identified early diagnosis as key to preventing complications, reflecting a strong general awareness. However, only 63% correctly noted that age is not a significant standalone risk factor, indicating a need for clearer information on PID-related risks. The high percentage of correct responses for antibiotic treatment (71%) and awareness campaign necessity (78.5%) suggests a readiness to engage in preventative healthcare measures.Table 2: Awareness and Knowledge Assessment of PIDS.NoQuestionOptionsFrequency of Correct ResponsesPercent (%)1What is PID?a) Liver disease, b) Reproductive organ infection**, c) Bone disease, d) Genetic disorder28070.02Can untreated STIs lead to PID?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only with other conditions29674.03Is PID preventable with safe sexual practices?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only in specific cases31278.04What is a common symptom of PID?a) Pelvic pain**, b) Headache, c) Skin rash, d) Vision problems28471.05Can PID cause infertility?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only in advanced stages32080.06Are regular gynecological check-ups important for preventing PID?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Only if symptomatic, d) Occasionally32481.07What is a risk factor for PID?a) Untreated infections**, b) Exercise, c) High salt intake, d) Poor eyesight27268.08Can multiple sexual partners increase the risk of PID?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only in older women30476.09Does early treatment of infections reduce PID risk?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only for young women31879.510Can PID lead to ectopic pregnancy?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only in severe cases29072.511What is a primary cause of PID?a) Bacterial infection**, b) Fungal infection, c) Parasite, d) Virus27869.512Are socio-cultural norms a barrier to seeking gynecological healthcare?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Occasionally, d) Rarely29273.013Can financial constraints prevent timely treatment of PID?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only in severe cases26867.014Is early diagnosis key to preventing PID complications?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Occasionally32882.015Should public awareness campaigns target PID prevention?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Only for high-risk groups, d) Occasionally31478.516Can untreated PID affect a woman's quality of life?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Only temporarily, d) Rarely30075.017Are antibiotics effective in treating PID?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Only in severe cases, d) Rarely28471.018Is age a risk factor for PID?a) Yes, b) No**, c) Only after age 30, d) Rarely25263.019Should sex education include information on PID?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Only for married women, d) Rarely32080.020Can untreated PID result in chronic pelvic pain?a) Yes**, b) No, c) Rarely, d) Only in specific cases28872.0Table 3 categorizes participants' overall knowledge scores into four levels. A promising 27% demonstrated very good knowledge (16–20 points), and 38% fell into the good category (12–15 points), collectively accounting for the majority of the participants with solid foundational awareness. However, 24% scored in the fair range (8–11 points), indicating partial understanding, and 11% displayed poor knowledge (<8 points), emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions. These results reflect both achievements and gaps in PID awareness, underscoring the importance of enhancing knowledge dissemination efforts, particularly for those with limited understanding.Table 3: Knowledge Score ClassificationKnowledge CategoryScore RangeFrequency (n)Percentage (%)Very Good16–2010827.0Good12–1515238.0Fair8–119624.0Poor<84411.0DISCUSSIONThe findings of this study provide critical insights into the awareness and knowledge of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) among reproductive-age women in District Kangra. This investigation sheds light on the strengths and gaps in public understanding, offering valuable direction for future educational and healthcare interventions to address this significant yet often overlooked public health issue.The socio-demographic data reveal the diverse backgrounds of the participants, with the majority being married women within the reproductive age group (26–45 years). This highlights the study's alignment with the population most vulnerable to PID. Educational disparities were evident, as 39% of participants had only primary or no formal education, emphasizing the critical role of literacy in influencing health awareness. The predominance of homemakers and those engaged in agriculture/labor suggests limited exposure to formal health education and healthcare access, particularly in rural settings. The economic data further corroborate this, with 64% of households earning less than 20,000 INR per month, indicating that financial constraints could act as a barrier to accessing timely medical intervention and preventive care.The knowledge assessment presented a mixed picture, with notable achievements and concerning gaps. Encouragingly, most participants recognized PID as a reproductive organ infection (78%) and were aware of its key symptoms, such as pelvic pain (71%). Similarly, understanding of complications like infertility (80%) and the importance of early diagnosis (82%) reflects a foundational level of awareness that could be leveraged in public health initiatives.However, significant gaps were identified. While awareness of untreated STIs as a cause of PID was relatively high (74%), only 63% accurately rejected age as a standalone risk factor, suggesting misconceptions about who is at risk. Additionally, knowledge about the socio-cultural and financial barriers to care (73% and 67%) underscores the need for strategies to overcome these challenges. The moderate understanding of antibiotic treatment (71%) and the necessity of regular screening (72%) indicates room for improvement in disseminating information about medical management and prevention.The classification of knowledge scores further highlights the need for targeted interventions. While 27% of participants demonstrated very good knowledge, 24% exhibited only fair understanding, and 11% had poor knowledge. These findings emphasize the need for tailored educational programs that address the knowledge gaps among underserved populations, particularly those with lower literacy levels and limited healthcare access. Interventions should prioritize clarifying misconceptions, such as risk factors and symptoms, while also focusing on prevention strategies like safe sexual practices, STI screening, and timely medical consultations.The study underscores the importance of addressing socio-cultural barriers that deter women from seeking timely medical care. Cultural taboos, stigma surrounding reproductive health, and gender norms in rural settings may discourage open discussions and proactive health-seeking behaviors. Collaborative efforts involving community leaders, healthcare providers, and government agencies are essential to break these barriers and foster a supportive environment for women to access reproductive healthcare without fear or shame.Implications for Public HealthThese findings have significant implications for public health strategies aimed at combating PID in rural communities like Kangra. Community-based educational campaigns, leveraging local media, health workers, and culturally appropriate materials, can play a pivotal role in increasing awareness and encouraging preventive measures. Incorporating PID education into broader reproductive health programs and emphasizing its connection with maternal and child health could further amplify its impact.Moreover, financial and logistical support for women in low-income households, such as free or subsidized screening and treatment services, would address economic barriers. The high readiness among participants to engage with awareness campaigns (78.5%) presents an opportunity for public health initiatives to make meaningful inroads in improving knowledge and attitudes toward PID.[10,11]Future DirectionsWhile this study provides a comprehensive understanding of PID awareness in Kangra, future research should explore deeper qualitative insights into the barriers and enablers of health-seeking behaviors. Longitudinal studies assessing the impact of targeted interventions on knowledge, attitudes, and health outcomes would also provide valuable evidence to inform scalable and sustainable public health solutions.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights both the progress and challenges in addressing PID awareness among reproductive-age women in Kangra. While foundational knowledge exists, significant gaps remain, particularly in understanding risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Addressing these gaps through targeted, community-centered interventions and breaking socio-cultural barriers are critical steps toward reducing the burden of PID and improving reproductive health outcomes in this population.REFERENCESSyed Khaja AS, Zafar M, Alshammari AMA, Alharbi S, Alghaithi AMS, Alshahri B, et al. Assessment of knowledge and attitude toward pelvic inflammatory disease among women in Saudi Arabia. Cureus. 2023;15(9):e45013.Neupane N. Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding pelvic inflammatory disease. Sch J App Med Sci. 2015;3(1E):348–52.Kreisel K, Torrone E, Bernstein K, Hong J, Gorwitz R. Prevalence of pelvic inflammatory disease in sexually experienced women of reproductive age — United States, 2013–2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2017;66(3):80–3.Das B, Ronda J, Trent M. Pelvic inflammatory disease: improving awareness, prevention, and treatment. Infect Drug Resist. 2016;9:191–7.Goyal M, Hersh A, Luan X, Localio R, Trent M, Zaoutis T. National trends in pelvic inflammatory disease among adolescents in the emergency department. J Adolesc Health. 2013;53(2):249–52.Mani G. Prevalence of reproductive tract infections among rural married women in Tamil Nadu, India: A community-based study. J Pioneer Med Sci. 2014;4(1):18–24.Rani V, et al. KAP study on reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among married women (15-44 years) in rural area of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Indian J Community Health. 2016;28(1):78–83.Phulpagare AS, Mendagudli VG. Effectiveness of planned teaching programme on knowledge regarding prevention of reproductive tract infection among women at selected rural community. Int J ObstetGynaecolNurs. 2019;1(2):1–5.Trent M, Bass D, Ness RB, Haggerty C. Recurrent PID, subsequent STI, and reproductive health outcomes: findings from the PID evaluation and clinical health (PEACH) study. Sex Transm Dis. 2011;38(9):879–81.Parashar A, Gupta BP, Bhardwaj AK, Sarin R. Prevalence of RTIs among women of reproductive age group in Shimla city. Indian J Community Med. 2006;31(1):15–7.Sokiprim A, Ruth A, Ojo UP. Knowledge and practice of pelvic inflammatory disease prevention among female students. Asian J Med PrinClinPract. 2022;5(3):23–30.