In the intricate landscape of human health, neurological conditions take center stage, with brain tumors emerging as formidable entities that warrant our attention. Navigating the enigmatic terrain of the mind, our focus turns to District Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, urging us to delve into the depths of public awareness and knowledge surrounding brain tumors. This study aims to illuminate the prevailing understanding of brain tumors among District Kangra residents, laying the foundation for informed interventions and improved community health [1,2].

Brain tumors, characterized by abnormal cell growth within the brain, present complex challenges to individuals and healthcare systems. Understanding public awareness holds significance for shaping early detection, timely intervention and enhancing the overall quality of life for affected individuals. The World Health Organization emphasizes the rising global incidence of brain tumors, necessitating a nuanced examination at the regional level [3,4].

While global perspectives provide valuable insights, District Kangra's unique socio-cultural, economic and healthcare dynamics demand a tailored investigation. This study aligns with the call for context-specific research, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach may fall short in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by this community [4,5].

Indian studies offer a distinctive lens in the global research tapestry, capturing the nuances of a diverse population and healthcare landscape. The work of Dubey et al. [4] conducted in India underscores the variability in brain tumor prevalence across different regions and demographics. This emphasizes the importance of region-specific investigations, such as the present study in District Kangra, to unravel awareness and knowledge patterns.

Additionally, Sharma et al. [5] explored the psychosocial impact of brain tumors on patients and their families in an Indian context. This broader perspective helps situate our study within the broader canvas of the human experience with brain tumors, moving beyond statistics and medical intricacies.

The established link between public awareness and health outcomes sets the stage, yet the specific contours of this relationship in the context of brain tumors within District Kangra remain unexplored. This research journey aims to not only quantify current awareness but also identify factors influencing knowledge gaps and misconceptions. Moreover, the study aims to propose targeted educational interventions, empowering the community with accurate information and fostering a supportive environment for those affected by brain tumors.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge regarding Brain Tumor among the general public of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

Research Methodology:

• Research Approach-Descriptive

• Research Design- Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration-between August 2023 to October 2023

• Study population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Kangra for a minimum of 12 months

• Sample size- A robust sample size of 400 adults was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated knowledge level of 50% regarding Brain Tumor, a precise 5% absolute error margin and a conservative 5% non-response rate

• Study tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and knowledge regarding about Brain Tumor including its risk factors, early warning signs, available screening methods and preventive measures etc. was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of participants to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents

• Description of Tool: 

• Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more.

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding about Brain Tumor including its risk factors, early warning signs, available screening methods and preventive measures etc. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80%(16-20)=very good,60-79%(12-15) =Good,41-59% (8-11)=Fair,<40% (< 8)=poor

• Validity of tool - by the experts in this field

• Data collection-Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated among the residents of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh for responses using online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin till the 400 responses were collected 

• Data analysis-Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage

Ethical Considerations-Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained.

The goal of the current study was to assess general public knowledge regarding Brain Tumor including its risk factors, early warning signs, available screening methods and preventive measures, through a non-experimental descriptive survey. A total of 400 respondents took part in the study, with 148 (37%) coming from urban areas and 252 (63%) from rural areas (Table 1).

In the present study 25.25% (101) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Brain Tumor, 37.25% (149) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 26% (104) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 11.5% (46) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).

The current study on brain tumor awareness in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, contributes to the growing body of knowledge on public understanding of this complex health issue. By examining recognition, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment options and preventive measures, the study provides insights that are not only locally relevant but also contribute to the broader discourse on global brain tumor awareness.

Comparing the findings with global studies, the reported 75.75% awareness of the term "brain tumor" in District Kangra aligns closely with Smith et al. [6] study, which reported a comparable awareness level of 78% in a Western context1. However, as seen in various studies, awareness does not necessarily correlate with a deep understanding of the subject, as evidenced by knowledge gaps observed in risk factors and types of brain tumors.

Table 1: Knowledge regarding Brain Tumor among study participants

Table 2: Knowledge scores towards Brain Tumor among study participants

The study reveals a significant gap (39.75%) in correctly identifying potential risk factors associated with brain tumor development. This finding resonates with the emphasis placed by Dubey et al. [7] on the necessity for targeted education on risk factors to enhance public understanding. It underscores the importance of tailoring awareness campaigns to address specific knowledge gaps within the community.

Similarly, the study identifies a knowledge gap (16.5%) regarding different types of brain tumors, echoing the concerns raised by Patil et al. [3] in their Indian study, which stressed the need for more accessible information on the nuances of various tumor types.

The positive correlation between awareness and the perceived significance of early detection (61.75%) is a notable finding. This aligns with similar observations in studies conducted by Sharma et al. [8] and Patil et al. [3], emphasizing the critical role of awareness campaigns in highlighting the importance of early detection for improved treatment outcomes.

In the Indian context, studies by Dubey et al. [7]. and Sharma et al⁸. offer complementary perspectives. Dubey et al⁷. reported varying prevalence rates of brain tumors across different regions, emphasizing the need for localized investigations. Sharma et al. [8] exploration of the psychosocial impact of brain tumors in an Indian setting provides a broader perspective on the human experience with this condition.

Expanding our reference base, studies by Gupta et al. [9] and Agarwal et al. [10] have explored healthcare-seeking behavior and challenges faced by patients in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment for brain tumors in India. These studies underscore the multifaceted challenges that contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.

In conclusion, this study on brain tumor awareness in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, illuminates the nuanced landscape of public understanding in a region characterized by unique socio-cultural and healthcare dynamics. The identified gaps in awareness, particularly regarding risk factors and types of brain tumors, underscore the necessity for tailored educational interventions. Drawing insights from both global and Indian studies, the findings emphasize the significance of context-specific approaches in shaping effective healthcare policies and interventions. Collaborative efforts at local and national levels are imperative to enhance public understanding, facilitate early detection and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals affected by brain tumors. This study serves as a vital stepping stone towards informed strategies that can bridge knowledge gaps and contribute to a more knowledgeable and resilient community in District Kangra.

1. World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. "Globocan 2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012." 2016, https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/356-india-fact-sheets.pdf. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

2. Rajan, R., et al. "The burden of neurological disorders across the States of India: The global burden of disease study 1990–2019." The Lancet Neurology, vol. 20, no. 5, 2021, pp. 365–381.

3. Patil, V.M., et al. "Assessment of awareness regarding warning signs of cancer and its determinants in an urban Slum Area of Mumbai." Indian Journal of Cancer, vol. 52, no. 4, 2015, pp. 520–525.

4. Dubey, A., et al. "Epidemiology of Brain Tumors: A Single-Center Experience." Asian Journal of Neurosurgery, vol. 12, no. 3, 2017, pp. 500–504.

5. Sharma, R., et al. "Psychosocial aspects of patients with primary brain tumors: A critical review." Journal of Neurosciences  in  Rural  Practice,  vol.  10,  no.  3,  2019, pp. 343–347.

6. Smith, R.A., et al. "Public awareness of cancer in Britain: A population-based survey of adults." Cancer Epidemiology, vol. 58, 2019, pp. 167–173.

7. Dubey, A., et al. "Demography of primary intracranial tumors at a tertiary care teaching institute of North India: A hospital-based study." National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 8, no. 1, 2017, pp. 25–30.

8. Sharma, N., et al. "A qualitative study exploring the experiences and perspectives of patients with brain tumors and their caregivers in an Indian Setting." Supportive Care in Cancer, vol. 27, no. 2, 2019, pp. 549–557.

9. Gupta, S., et al. "Healthcare seeking behavior and challenges in utilizing health facilities for neurological disorders in rural Northern India." Journal of Neurosciences  in  Rural  Practice,  vol.  10,  no.  2,  2019, pp. 207–213.

10. Agarwal, A., et al. "Challenges in the management of brain tumors in a developing country: A retrospective study from a tertiary care center in Northern India." Asian Journal of Neurosurgery, vol. 15, no. 2, 2020, pp. 317–324.