srjcmsSRJCMSSRJCMS2788-885110.47310/srjcms.2025.v05i01.008Understanding Cholecystitis and Gallbladder Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study on Public Awareness in KangraBackground: Cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder often caused by gallstones, is a prevalent gastrointestinal condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. While laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers a safe and effective treatment option, public awareness regarding the condition and its surgical management remains inconsistent especially in rural and semi-urban populations. This study was conducted to assess the level of public knowledge about cholecystitis, its symptoms, complications, and surgical interventions in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 adult residents of Kangra. A structured and pre-validated online questionnaire was used, covering socio-demographic data, awareness of cholecystitis and gallbladder surgery, and health-seeking behavior. Participants were selected via convenience and purposive sampling through digital platforms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify knowledge trends and gaps, with scoring categorized into four awareness levels: very good, good, fair, and poor. Results: The majority of participants (77–84%) correctly identified cholecystitis as gallbladder inflammation and recognized its core symptoms, causes, and surgical treatment. Awareness was particularly high regarding the function of the gallbladder (81%), common symptoms like right upper abdominal pain (84.5%), and the necessity of surgery in severe cases (76%). However, knowledge was moderate concerning disease complications such as recurrence after surgery (66%) and jaundice (67%), as well as preventive lifestyle measures (70–75%). Based on scoring, 40.5% of respondents exhibited very good knowledge, 41.5% good knowledge, while 14% and 4% had fair and poor awareness, respectively. Conclusion: While the general public in Kangra exhibits commendable awareness of cholecystitis and its management, significant gaps remain in understanding complications, post-operative outcomes, and preventive factors. These deficiencies, especially prevalent in rural and less-educated groups, highlight the urgent need for targeted, culturally sensitive educational initiatives. Strengthening community health outreach and integrating gallbladder health education into primary care services can significantly improve early diagnosis and surgical outcomes.