iarjcrIARJCRIARJCR2789-606410.47310/iarjcr.2025.v05i01.005Varicose Veins and Surgical Interventions: A Cross-Sectional Study on Public Awareness in KangraBackground: Varicose veins are a prevalent vascular condition characterized by dilated and twisted veins, primarily in the lower limbs. Though often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, untreated varicose veins can lead to significant complications such as pain, venous ulcers, and thrombosis. With the availability of effective treatments—including surgical and minimally invasive options—early recognition and intervention are crucial. However, public awareness, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions like Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, remains inconsistent, often leading to delayed healthcare-seeking behavior. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025 among 400 adult residents of Kangra district. Participants were recruited using purposive and convenience sampling through digital platforms. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated online questionnaire in Hindi and English, which assessed socio-demographic details, knowledge of varicose veins and related surgical interventions, and health-seeking attitudes. Awareness scores were categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (41–59%), and Poor (<40%). Descriptive statistics were applied for analysis using Microsoft Excel. Results: The study included a diverse sample across age, gender, education, and occupation, with 55% from rural areas. Awareness levels were generally positive: 84% correctly identified varicose veins, 87% recognized common symptoms, and 78% were aware that surgery is a standard treatment for severe cases. Knowledge of risk factors such as prolonged standing (80%) and pregnancy (82%) was also high. However, awareness regarding recurrence (68%), asymptomatic presentation (72%), and complications like blood clots (69%) was comparatively lower. Overall, 40% had very good knowledge, 41% good, 14% fair, and 5% poor knowledge. Conclusion: While public understanding of varicose veins in Kangra is generally satisfactory, crucial gaps remain, particularly concerning disease complications, recurrence, and minimally invasive treatments. Targeted educational initiatives—especially for rural and less-educated populations—are essential to improve timely diagnosis and access to appropriate care. Strengthening community-level health promotion and integrating vein health into broader public health strategies can significantly enhance awareness and clinical outcomes.