srjcmsSRJCMSSRJCMS2788-8851https://doi.org/10.47310/srjcms.2025.v05i02.008Unmasking the Hidden Burden: Public Awareness of ESRD, Dialysis, and Prevention in Punjab, IndiaEvaGargAyushiGuptaShivanshGuptaMBBS, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, IndiaIntern, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Delhi, IndiaMBBS 3rd year, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, IndiaBackground: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the terminal stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), requiring dialysis or transplantation for survival. India carries a disproportionately high burden of ESRD due to rising diabetes, hypertension, and environmental exposures, with Punjab emerging as a high-prevalence state. Despite the growing disease burden, community-level awareness about ESRD, dialysis, and transplantation remains poorly understood. This study aimed to assess awareness levels, identify knowledge gaps, and analyze socio-demographic determinants influencing awareness among the general public of Punjab. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults (≥18 years) across Punjab using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire administered via Google Forms. A purposive-cum-snowball sampling method was adopted, ensuring participation from both rural and urban areas. The tool included socio-demographic details, risk profile, and 20 knowledge-based questions on ESRD and dialysis. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and knowledge levels. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 400 respondents, 52.5% were male and 50.5% resided in rural areas. Nearly 69% had heard of ESRD or dialysis, but only 43% were aware of kidney transplantation as an alternative treatment. Diabetes (40.5%) and hypertension (37.0%) were the most recognized risk factors, while one-third reported no knowledge of any risk factor. Knowledge regarding dialysis was variable: 70.5% correctly identified its purpose, but only 52% knew the correct frequency of hemodialysis sessions and 43.5% recognized common complications. Overall, 17% had excellent knowledge, 31% good, 34.5% fair, and 17.5% poor knowledge. Urban residence (p=0.002), higher education (p<0.001), and occupation (p=0.010) were significantly associated with better awareness, while age and gender showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Awareness of ESRD and dialysis among the general population of Punjab is moderate, with substantial gaps in recognizing risk factors, treatment details, and transplantation as a long-term solution. Education, occupation, and residence strongly influenced knowledge levels, highlighting vulnerable groups such as rural and less-educated populations. Targeted health education initiatives, integration of kidney health into primary care, and mass media campaigns are urgently needed to bridge knowledge gaps, promote early detection, and improve health outcomes in Punjab.