Pediatric infectious diseases have historically posed a substantial public health challenge, particularly in developing regions, where they significantly contribute to child morbidity and mortality rates. These diseases, ranging from common viral infections to severe bacterial and parasitic illnesses, are a leading cause of hospitalization among children, often hindering their physical and cognitive development. Preventing and managing these infections effectively is critical to ensuring optimal health outcomes during childhood. Himachal Pradesh, with its varied geography and socio-economic diversity, provided a unique setting to examine public knowledge of pediatric infectious diseases and the essential preventive measures needed to curb their spread and severity.[1-3]

Public awareness of pediatric infectious diseases is a cornerstone of effective prevention efforts, directly impacting health-seeking behaviors, vaccination rates, and adherence to recommended hygiene practices. Informed communities are more likely to recognize early symptoms, follow immunization schedules, and practice appropriate hygiene measures. However, healthcare access, educational disparities, cultural beliefs, and economic limitations can restrict public understanding. Himachal Pradesh, where remote regions often face limited access to healthcare resources, presented distinct challenges, potentially affecting awareness and adherence to preventive practices. Previous studies have shown that communities with limited knowledge about infectious diseases experience higher rates of preventable illnesses, delayed treatments, and lower immunization coverage, all of which can severely impact child health.[4-6]

This study aimed to explore public knowledge of pediatric infectious diseases and preventive measures among residents of Himachal Pradesh. By assessing awareness levels regarding common infections, preventive practices, and vaccination protocols, this research sought to identify knowledge gaps that may hinder effective disease prevention and control. Findings from this research offer valuable insights that can guide targeted health interventions and educational campaigns, ultimately fostering community engagement in child health and reducing the burden of infectious diseases among children in Himachal Pradesh

Aims & Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate public knowledge regarding pediatric infectious diseases and associated preventive measures among residents of Himachal Pradesh. Specifically, the study sought to assess awareness levels related to common infectious diseases in children, vaccination protocols, hygiene practices, and early symptom recognition. The insights from this study are intended to inform targeted health interventions and public health campaigns to improve child health outcomes in the region.

• Research Approach: This descriptive study was designed to capture existing levels of knowledge and awareness regarding pediatric infectious diseases and their prevention among residents.

• Research Design: A cross-sectional survey approach was employed to systematically assess public awareness across a representative sample in Himachal Pradesh, providing insights into both the scope and nature of public knowledge.

• Study Area: The study was conducted across diverse regions of Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its unique geography and varying levels of healthcare access. This allowed for a representative sample that included individuals from both rural and urban areas, providing a broad understanding of public awareness across different community settings.

• Study Duration: Data collection was conducted over a three-month period from August to October 2024, ensuring comprehensive coverage and participation across various demographic segments.

• Study Population: The target population included adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of Himachal Pradesh for at least 12 months. This criterion ensured that respondents were familiar with local health practices, childcare norms, and regional access to healthcare resources.

• Sample Size: A robust sample size of 400 participants was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated 50% awareness level regarding pediatric infectious diseases and prevention, and a 5% margin of error. A conservative non-response rate of 5% was also factored in to ensure data robustness.

• Study Tool: Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The questionnaire comprised two main sections:

  • Socio-demographic Details: This section gathered information on age, gender, education level, occupation, and area of residence to capture a range of demographic influences on awareness levels.

  • Knowledge Assessment: Twenty structured questions assessed awareness of pediatric infectious diseases, early symptom identification, hygiene practices, and vaccination protocols. Each correct answer earned one point, with scores classified as follows: >80% (Very Good), 60-79% (Good), 41-59% (Fair), and <40% (Poor). The questionnaire was pre-tested with a small sample to ensure clarity and validated by public health experts specializing in infectious diseases.

• Data Collection: The questionnaire was distributed online across various platforms, including email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to maximize reach and capture a diverse demographic response. Data collection continued under expert supervision until the target of 400 responses was met to maintain methodological precision and adherence to study guidelines.

• Data Analysis: Responses were first organized and cleaned in Microsoft Excel. Statistical analysis was conducted using Epi Info V7 software to compute frequencies, percentages, and other descriptive statistics, providing a clear picture of awareness levels and correlations with socio-demographic factors.

• Ethical Considerations: Participant confidentiality and anonymity were strictly maintained, with no personal identifying information recorded. Informed consent was obtained from each participant, and they were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time, ensuring full compliance with ethical standards for research involving human subjects

A total of 400 respondents participated in the study, providing insights into public awareness regarding pediatric infectious diseases and preventive measures among residents of Himachal Pradesh. 

Table-1: Sociodemographic Variables of Study Participants 

The sociodemographic profile of the study participants highlights a diverse and representative sample of residents from Himachal Pradesh, with 57% female and 43% male respondents, indicating a slight predominance of female caregivers or mothers in the study. The majority of participants (33.5%) were aged between 26-35 years, followed by those aged 36-45 years (23.5%), reflecting the inclusion of a broad age range of adults responsible for pediatric care. Educational levels varied, with 34.75% holding undergraduate degrees, 26.5% completing secondary education, and 15.5% attaining postgraduate qualifications, while 7.25% reported no formal education, reflecting educational diversity. In terms of occupation, the largest group (33%) comprised individuals employed in private or government services, followed by homemakers (21.75%) and those in agriculture or labor (21%), capturing the economic and professional heterogeneity of the region. The majority of participants were rural residents (64.5%), aligning with the demographic distribution of Himachal Pradesh. Monthly household income ranged widely, with 33.75% earning INR 10,001-20,000 and 18.5% exceeding INR 40,000, representing a mix of socio-economic backgrounds. Family structures leaned toward nuclear setups (65.5%), and most respondents (69.75%) had resided in Himachal Pradesh for more than 10 years, ensuring familiarity with local healthcare norms. 

Table-2: Knowledge Regarding Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Preventive Measures among Study Participants

In this study, participants' knowledge scores were classified based on total points earned out of a possible 20. Findings indicated that 25% (100 participants) demonstrated very good knowledge (scoring 16-20 points), 34% (136 participants) had good knowledge (12-15 points), 28% (112 participants) displayed fair knowledge (8-11 points), and 13% (52 participants) exhibited poor knowledge (<8 points).

Figure-1: Knowledge Scores on Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Preventive Measures among Study Participants

The findings of this study provide a comprehensive view of public awareness regarding pediatric infectious diseases and preventive measures among residents of Himachal Pradesh. Table 1 highlightsthat, while there was a foundational level of knowledge among participants, notable gaps remained in specific areas, particularly regarding symptoms and preventive practices. For instance, over half of the respondents (57%) correctly identified common symptoms of viral infections, such as runny nose and sore throat, which indicates a basic awareness of early signs. However, only 46% could associate a high-pitched cough with whooping cough, reflecting limited recognition of symptoms specific to certain infections, which could delay early intervention for children with these conditions. Furthermore, although a substantial 67.5% of participants were aware of the importance of routine vaccinations per the national immunization schedule, fewer understood specific vaccine functions; only 49.5% correctly identified that the BCG vaccine prevents tuberculosis, suggesting that some might lack detailed knowledge on how vaccinations work to prevent specific diseases.[7-8]

Hygiene practices were another critical area of awareness explored in this study. Nearly 60% recognized handwashing with soap as an effective infection prevention measure, yet fewer respondents (48%) could identify covering one’s mouth and nose as a preventive action for respiratory infections. This discrepancy indicates a partial understanding of how basic hygiene measures can vary in effectiveness depending on the type of infection. Additionally, while most respondents (63%) acknowledged the role of personal hygiene in reducing infection risk, specific practices like proper waste disposal, which helps prevent the breeding of disease vectors, were less commonly known, with only 55% recognizing its significance. These insights suggest a need for broader public health messaging that emphasizes a variety of hygiene practices as distinct yet essential preventive measures.[9,10]

Vaccination knowledge was encouraging, with 68.5% of respondents aware that the MMR vaccine prevents measles, mumps, and rubella, and 67% understanding the critical role of vaccinations in building immunity. However, gaps in vaccine-specific knowledge were apparent, as less than half (49.5%) knew of government programs like the Universal Immunization Program, highlighting a potential barrier to community engagement with these resources. Similarly, while most parents were aware of the need to seek immediate medical advice if a child has a persistent fever, shown by the 58% correct response rate, misconceptions regarding disease symptoms and prevention remained, which could hinder timely care in specific instances.[8,9]

In Table 2, the distribution of knowledge scores among participants provides additional insights into the depth of understanding across the sample population. With 25% achieving "Very Good" scores (16-20 points), these individuals demonstrated a strong grasp of infectious diseases and prevention; however, the majority (34%) fell into the "Good" category, indicating they had a general but not comprehensive understanding. Those in the "Fair" category (28%) may recognize some basic concepts but likely struggle with specific information, particularly around vaccinations, symptoms, and hygiene measures. This pattern of partial knowledge, while positive at a foundational level, points to a need for more targeted educational interventions that could address knowledge gaps in these areas. Meanwhile, 13% scored in the "Poor" category, showing minimal awareness of essential practices in preventing infectious diseases and identifying symptoms in children. This subset of the population may benefit significantly from targeted and accessible educational resources aimed at building awareness from a basic level.

Overall, the findings suggest that while a considerable portion of the population has a foundational understanding of pediatric infectious diseases, there are substantial opportunities to deepen public knowledge, particularly in areas such as symptom identification, the function of specific vaccines, and the role of varied hygiene practices. These gaps indicate that targeted, comprehensive health education efforts could be instrumental in enhancing understanding and promoting preventive behaviors, ultimately improving pediatric health outcomes across the region.

Limitations
While this study offers valuable insights into public knowledge of pediatric infectious diseases and preventive practices in Himachal Pradesh, certain limitations should be noted. The reliance on an online survey platform may have excluded individuals with limited internet access, potentially skewing the sample towards more technologically connected and possibly more educated respondents. Additionally, self-reported responses could introduce response bias, where participants may overestimate their knowledge. This reliance on self-reporting, coupled with limited representation from highly remote areas, might limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader population. Future studies incorporating a mixed-method approach, including in-person surveys, could help provide a more representative picture of public knowledge across diverse demographic groups.

This study revealed a foundational level of public awareness regarding pediatric infectious diseases and preventive measures among residents of Himachal Pradesh, highlighting strengths in basic hygiene and immunization knowledge alongside notable gaps in specific disease symptoms, vaccine-specific functions, and government health initiatives. While a substantial portion of participants demonstrated good awareness, many lacked detailed knowledge crucial for early symptom recognition, targeted vaccination understanding, and comprehensive hygiene practices. This distribution of awareness underscores the need for targeted, community-centered educational interventions that focus on building a well-rounded understanding of pediatric health prevention. Emphasizing the importance of various hygiene practices, enhancing familiarity with vaccination schedules, and increasing awareness of available health programs could empower caregivers, improve health-seeking behaviors, and reduce preventable infectious disease rates among children. By addressing these knowledge gaps, public health campaigns and interventions can play a pivotal role in advancing child health outcomes across the region, contributing to healthier communities and better overall pediatric health in Himachal Pradesh.

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest

No funding sources

The study was approved by the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University(AMU).

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