iajabmsIAJABMSIAJABMS2709-329810.47310/iajabms.2025.v06i01.013Clean Hands, Safe Lives: Public Awareness and Practice of Hand Hygiene in Rural and Urban Areas of Himachal PradeshBackground: Hand hygiene is a critical public health measure that significantly reduces the spread of infections such as diarrhea, influenza, and COVID-19. In India, socio-cultural practices and regional disparities influence hygiene behavior. This study evaluates awareness and practices related to handwashing in both rural and urban areas of Himachal Pradesh, highlighting socio-demographic influences and identifying barriers to effective hygiene habits. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and March 2025 among 420 adults in Himachal Pradesh. A structured bilingual questionnaire assessed socio-demographic details, hand hygiene knowledge, behavioral practices, and perceptions. Responses were analyzed using SPSS Version 26, and cumulative knowledge scores were categorized as Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. Results: Participants were predominantly young adults (40.5% aged 18–25) with a slight female majority (55.5%) and nearly equal rural-urban representation. Awareness of basic hand hygiene principles was high—87.6% knew its disease-preventive purpose, 84.3% recognized key moments for handwashing, and 77.6% understood the recommended 20-second duration. However, misconceptions about sanitizer use and water temperature persisted. Overall, 76.7% of participants fell into the Good or Very Good knowledge categories, while 5.5% demonstrated Poor awareness, highlighting scope for further intervention. Conclusion: While general awareness about hand hygiene in Himachal Pradesh is encouraging, knowledge inconsistencies and barriers—particularly in rural and less educated populations—persist. Community-driven hygiene education, practical demonstrations, and improved access to water and soap can help close these gaps and promote lifelong healthy hygiene behaviors across the state..