Background: Leukemia, a malignancy affecting blood-forming tissues, poses serious health risks globally and remains under-recognized in many developing regions, including India. Despite significant advancements in medical treatment, public awareness of leukemia remains insufficient, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access and cancer literacy are limited. In Shimla, a hilly district with geographic and infrastructural challenges, understanding community knowledge levels is vital for strengthening early detection and health-seeking behavior. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adults in Shimla district between January and March 2025. A structured, bilingual questionnaire assessed participants' socio-demographic profiles, awareness of leukemia symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and perceptions. Online data collection methods were employed to ensure representation across urban and rural populations. Knowledge scores were categorized into four levels: very good, good, fair and poor. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative assessments. Results: Participants demonstrated a mixed level of leukemia awareness. While 75.0% correctly identified leukemia as a cancer of blood-forming tissues and 77.0% recognized frequent infections as a common symptom, only 68.0% knew it could be asymptomatic in early stages. Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant were correctly recognized by 74.0% and 75.0% respectively as treatment options. However, awareness of recurrence (55.0%) and subtle symptoms like fatigue (64.0%) remained low. Overall, 31.0% of respondents had very good knowledge, 37.0% had good knowledge, 22.5% had fair knowledge and 9.5% showed poor knowledge. Rural and less educated groups demonstrated lower awareness levels. Conclusion: While leukemia awareness in Shimla shows promising trends, critical knowledge gaps persist-especially regarding early detection, asymptomatic progression and long-term management. Public health strategies must prioritize context-specific education, particularly in rural communities, using culturally sensitive and accessible formats. Integrating leukemia awareness into broader health programs and empowering local health workers can significantly enhance community-level understanding and response.

Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a debilitating condition prevalent in rural areas, often worsened by limited knowledge and inappropriate self-management. This study investigates public perceptions, knowledge, and self-care practices for CLBP among Kangra, Himachal Pradesh residents, and examines demographic influences on awareness. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 500 adults was conducted in Kangra from Jan to March 2025, using a structured questionnaire on socio-demographics, CLBP knowledge, and self-care behaviors. Knowledge was classified as Exceptional (≥80%), Proficient (60%–79%), Fair (41%–59%), or Limited (<40%). Statistical analyses explored demographic associations with knowledge scores. Results: Awareness was moderate, with 37.2% showing "Exceptional" and 38.8% "Proficient" knowledge. While 84.6% identified poor posture as a risk factor and 81.2% recognized exercise benefits, gaps existed: only 64.8% understood weight management’s role, and 62.4% knew to avoid prolonged sitting. Rural and less-educated participants exhibited lower awareness. Conclusion: Despite reasonable understanding, critical deficiencies in CLBP knowledge and self-care practices highlight the need for targeted education and improved healthcare access in rural Kangra to reduce pain burden and enhance well-being.

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) significantly impact patient safety and healthcare costs worldwide, making pharmacovigilance a critical public health function. Despite national initiatives like the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), public awareness regarding ADR recognition and reporting remains low, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to ADRs and pharmacovigilance among residents of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025, targeting 400 adult residents across urban and rural areas of Mandi. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured, bilingual questionnaire covering demographics, ADR knowledge, awareness of pharmacovigilance systems, and reporting practices. Responses were scored and categorized into Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (41–59%), and Poor (<40%) knowledge levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The majority of participants were young to middle-aged adults, with a predominance of rural residents (65.3%). While 77.0% correctly identified ADRs and 79.3% recognized their potential severity, only 60.3% were aware of pharmacovigilance, and just 59.8% knew that patients could report ADRs directly to PvPI. Knowledge levels were categorized as Good in 42.8% and Very Good in 29.5% of respondents, but 27.8% demonstrated Fair or Poor understanding. Gaps were particularly notable in awareness of reporting channels, the risks of combining herbal remedies with modern medicines, and recognizing ADRs among vulnerable populations. Conclusion: Although the Mandi population exhibits encouraging foundational awareness of ADRs, critical knowledge and behavioral gaps persist, especially regarding formal reporting systems and patient-led pharmacovigilance participation. Targeted, community-based education campaigns, integration of ADR counseling in clinical practices, and the promotion of accessible, patient-friendly reporting tools are urgently needed to strengthen pharmacovigilance and improve medication safety outcomes in semi-urban and rural settings.

: Background: Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with early detection playing a crucial role in improving prognosis and survival rates. Despite national initiatives promoting cancer screening and awareness, public knowledge—especially regarding warning signs and screening procedures for breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal cancers—remains fragmented in India, particularly among rural and semi-urban populations. Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, with its diverse demographic landscape, offers a vital opportunity to assess community-level cancer awareness and identify prevailing gaps that could hinder early detection efforts. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 adult residents of Shimla district. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling via online platforms. A structured, bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire was developed, covering demographic details, awareness of cancer warning signs, screening knowledge, and prevailing myths. Data were scored and classified into Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor knowledge categories. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 26.0 provided descriptive summaries of awareness levels and knowledge gaps. Results: Among the 400 participants, 37.8% were aged 26–35 years, and 53.5% were female; rural residents comprised 65.0% of the sample. A promising 84.8% correctly identified doctors as appropriate guides for cancer screening, and 84.3% recognized tobacco use as a major risk factor. Awareness of early detection benefits was high (82.0%), and a strong understanding of common warning signs like breast lumps (77.3%) and persistent cough (73.5%) was noted. However, significant gaps were evident: only 60.5% identified colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening, and 62.8% recognized Pap smear use for cervical cancer. Overall, 30.0% demonstrated Very Good knowledge, 43.5% Good, 19.0% Fair, and 7.5% Poor, underscoring a substantial minority with inadequate awareness, predominantly among rural and less-educated groups. Conclusion: The study reveals encouraging foundational awareness of cancer warning signs among Shimla’s population but highlights critical deficiencies in technical screening knowledge and prevailing misconceptions. Targeted, culturally sensitive interventions are urgently needed to bridge these gaps, particularly in rural and low-literacy communities. Strengthening community-based education, expanding access to screening services, and integrating cancer literacy into primary healthcare frameworks are pivotal steps toward promoting early detection and reducing the region’s cancer burden.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing global public health challenge, with India witnessing an alarming rise in its prevalence, particularly type 2 diabetes. Despite advances in diagnosis and management, major gaps in awareness, preventive practices, and misconceptions persist, especially in semi-urban and rural regions. In the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, shifting lifestyles and limited health literacy necessitate an evaluation of the community's understanding of diabetes to inform targeted public health interventions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between January and March 2025 among 400 adult residents of Shimla district. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling via digital platforms. A pre-validated bilingual questionnaire assessed socio-demographic profiles, diabetes knowledge, lifestyle practices, and prevalent misconceptions. Correct responses were scored, and knowledge levels were categorized into "Very Good," "Good," "Fair," and "Poor." Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of participants (38.8%) were aged 26–35 years, with a slight female predominance (52.3%) and a predominantly rural background (65.5%). Awareness regarding diabetes being a high blood sugar disorder (79.8%), the preventability of type 2 diabetes (76.5%), and the role of exercise (82.0%) and a balanced diet (83.5%) was high. However, misconceptions persisted regarding diabetes curability (68.3%), sugar avoidance (62.8%), and insulin use (60.5%). Knowledge scores revealed that 31.5% of participants had "Very Good" knowledge, 42.5% had "Good" knowledge, while 18.8% and 7.3% had "Fair" and "Poor" knowledge, respectively, highlighting significant gaps among nearly one-fourth of the population. Conclusion: Although general awareness regarding diabetes and its prevention among Shimla district residents is encouraging, critical misconceptions and knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding disease management and symptom recognition. Strengthened, culturally tailored educational initiatives and community-driven interventions are urgently needed to bridge these gaps, promote healthier lifestyles, and enable early diagnosis and proactive diabetes management in the region.

Background: Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major global public health crisis, driven by decades of antibiotic misuse, overuse, and poor adherence to prescribed therapies. In India, the problem is exacerbated by easy over-the-counter access, self-medication, and widespread misconceptions, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas like Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Understanding public awareness and behaviors around antibiotic use is crucial for formulating effective intervention strategies. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study surveyed 400 adult residents of Mandi district between January and March 2025 using a structured, bilingual questionnaire. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling across urban and rural settings. Data on demographics, knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance were collected via face-to-face interviews and self-administered forms. Responses were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, and knowledge levels were categorized as Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. Results: The study revealed that 78% correctly identified antibiotics as bacterial infection treatments, and 81.5% recognized early cessation of antibiotics as a risk factor for resistance. However, significant misconceptions persisted, with 28.2% believing antibiotics could treat viral infections and only 62.8% aware of resistance impacting future generations. Knowledge scores classified 32.3% as Very Good, 41.8% as Good, 19.0% as Fair, and 7.0% as Poor. Unsafe practices such as self-medication and reuse of leftover antibiotics were noted despite high general awareness levels, particularly among rural populations. Conclusion: While awareness of antibiotic use and resistance among Mandi residents is encouraging, critical gaps remain, particularly regarding resistance transmission and societal impact. Rural communities showed lower understanding and riskier practices. Targeted educational interventions, stricter enforcement of prescription regulations, and strengthened healthcare engagement are essential to translate knowledge into safer antibiotic behaviors and curb the growing threat of resistance.

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to chronic pelvic pain, infertility and impaired quality of life. Normalization of severe menstrual pain and cultural stigmas contribute to delayed diagnosis and ongoing suffering among women. This study aimed to assess public knowledge of endometriosis and examine factors contributing to misdiagnosis and treatment delays among women in Kangra. Materials and Methods:A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among women aged 18–45 years residing in Kangra district. A structured, bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire was distributed digitally, assessing socio-demographic characteristics, symptom awareness, knowledge of endometriosis and healthcare-seeking behaviors. A total of 400 participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0, with descriptive statistics summarizing awareness levels. Knowledge scores were categorized into four groups: Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%) and Poor (<40%). Results:Among participants, the majority were aged 26–35 years (44.5%) and had completed secondary (40.5%) or undergraduate (34.5%) education. Although 79.0% correctly identified endometriosis as the abnormal growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus and 80.0% recognized chronic pelvic pain as a major symptom, misconceptions persisted. Only 62.8% knew that laparoscopy is the definitive diagnostic method and 61.5% correctly acknowledged the typical 7–10 year diagnostic delay. In total, 34.0% demonstrated Very Good awareness, 42.5% had Good awareness, 18.5% had Fair awareness and 5.0% had Poor awareness. A significant proportion (around 25%) still normalized severe menstrual pain, highlighting ongoing stigma and gaps in health literacy. Conclusion: While foundational awareness of endometriosis was encouraging among women in Kangra, critical gaps and misconceptions remain, particularly regarding diagnosis timelines and management options. The normalization of menstrual pain persists as a significant barrier to timely healthcare-seeking behavior. Community-level health education, stigma reduction initiatives and targeted public health interventions are essential to promote early recognition, accurate diagnosis and better outcomes for women suffering from endometriosis in rural India.

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, often debilitating gynecological condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age globally. Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, misinformation, and the normalization of menstrual pain contribute to delayed diagnosis, exacerbating physical, emotional, and social consequences. This study aimed to explore the public awareness, prevalent misconceptions, and attitudes toward endometriosis among women in Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among women aged 18–45 years residing in urban, rural, and semi-urban areas of Himachal Pradesh. A pre-validated, bilingual (Hindi and English) structured questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic information, awareness of endometriosis symptoms and risk factors, prevalent myths, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Data from 420 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics with IBM SPSS Version 26.0. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 26–35 years (37.4%), with 55.7% being married and 42.1% residing in rural areas. Awareness of basic endometriosis facts was moderately high; 76.4% correctly identified the condition as involving endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and 80.7% associated it with chronic pelvic pain. However, substantial knowledge gaps were evident regarding hormonal risk factors (67.1%), symptom mimicry with gastrointestinal disorders (65.5%), and the impact of family history (67.6%). Although 46.2% of participants demonstrated "Good" awareness and 27.1% had "Very Good" knowledge, 26.7% fell into "Fair" or "Poor" categories, highlighting the persistence of misconceptions and stigma. Conclusion: While general awareness of endometriosis among women in Himachal Pradesh shows encouraging trends, significant misconceptions, fragmented knowledge, and stigma remain barriers to early diagnosis and management. Culturally sensitive health education campaigns, public health interventions, and integration of endometriosis awareness into primary healthcare and community education initiatives are urgently needed to bridge these gaps, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve the quality of life for affected women.

Background: Adult vaccination, crucial for preventing diseases like Hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, and HPV-related cancers, remains underutilized in India, particularly in rural regions like Himachal Pradesh, due to knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and access barriers. This study aimed to evaluate public awareness of adult vaccination, focusing on Hepatitis B, flu, COVID-19 boosters, and HPV, among adults in Himachal Pradesh, with an emphasis on rural communities. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 , targeting adults aged 18–65 years in Himachal Pradesh. A bilingual (Hindi/English) questionnaire, hosted on Google Forms, assessed socio-demographic factors, vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and barriers. Using convenience sampling, 480 participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics v27.0, with knowledge scores categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%), and Poor (<40%). Results: Participants, primarily aged 18–35 years (72.9%) and female (55.0%), showed moderate awareness: 80.0% recognized adult vaccines prevent serious diseases, 75.0% identified Hepatitis B’s liver disease link, and 82.9% noted cost as a barrier. Gaps existed in flu vaccine frequency (60.0%), asymptomatic Hepatitis B (64.0%), and HPV infection (62.9%). Knowledge levels were Very Good (27.9%), Good (46.0%), Fair (20.0%), and Poor (6.1%). Limited healthcare access (32.1%) highlighted rural challenges. Conclusion: While awareness of adult vaccination is improving, knowledge gaps and barriers like cost and access persist in Himachal Pradesh. Targeted education, subsidized vaccines, and rural outreach are critical to enhancing uptake and reducing disease burden.

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is a common, non-contagious eye condition triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen and dust, particularly during seasonal changes. In regions like Shimla, where climate transitions are sharp and recurrent, the condition’s prevalence is high, yet public awareness remains limited. This study aimed to assess awareness, misconceptions, and self-care behaviors related to allergic conjunctivitis among residents of Shimla. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 350 adult residents of Shimla using a structured, bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire. The tool captured socio-demographic data, knowledge of symptoms and triggers, attitudes, common misconceptions, and self-care practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and awareness levels were categorized into Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Results: Of the 350 participants, 29.7% were aged 26–35 years, 62.3% were graduates or above, and 49.7% reported a history of seasonal eye allergies. Most respondents correctly identified itching as the primary symptom (81.7%), pollen as a key trigger (77.7%), and acknowledged the non-contagious nature of the condition (80.6%). However, misconceptions about the use of antibiotic drops without prescription (75.4% correct) and eye rubbing (81.1% aware of its risk) were prevalent. Knowledge scores showed 14.9% had Very Good awareness, 39.4% Good, 29.1% Fair, and 16.6% Poor. Conclusion: Despite reasonable recognition of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and triggers, persistent misconceptions and risky practices point to a need for focused public health education. Empowering communities through seasonal awareness campaigns and accessible, evidence-based guidance can play a key role in reducing unnecessary complications and promoting safe, effective management of eye allergies.

Background: Digital Eye Strain (DES), also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), is increasingly common due to rising screen exposure in professional and educational settings. Characterized by eye fatigue, dryness, headaches and visual discomfort, DES often goes unnoticed due to limited public awareness of its symptoms and preventive strategies. This study aimed to assess DES awareness, knowledge and preventive practices among residents of Himachal Pradesh, India, while identifying demographic patterns influencing awareness levels. Materials  and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults in Himachal Pradesh using a structured online questionnaire. The survey collected socio-demographic data, assessed DES knowledge and evaluated awareness of preventive practices. Participants' knowledge was categorized as Very Good (>80%), Good (60%-79%), Fair (41%-59%) and Poor (<40%). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (v26.0) with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Findings revealed that while most participants had a sound understanding of DES causes (81.8%) and preventive strategies like the 20-20-20 rule (73%), gaps remained in recognizing symptoms such as headaches (64.5%) and visual fatigue (67%). Awareness of environmental triggers (66%) and nutritional support (61.8%) was also limited. Approximately 38% scored "Very Good," 39.5% scored "Good," while 15.8% and 6.8% achieved "Fair" and "Poor" scores, respectively. Knowledge gaps were more pronounced among rural populations and those with lower educational attainment. Conclusion: Although awareness regarding DES is encouraging in some areas, gaps persist in recognizing key symptoms, environmental triggers and effective preventive practices. Focused educational campaigns and workplace wellness programs are crucial to improving public understanding and promoting healthier screen-use behaviors. Future initiatives should prioritize vulnerable populations in rural and underserved regions. 

Background: Cervical cancer is a preventable yet persistent threat to women's health in India, ranking as the second most common cancer among women nationwide. Despite the proven efficacy of early screening methods like Pap smears and preventive tools such as HPV vaccination, awareness and uptake remain critically low, especially in semi-urban and rural areas like Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Sociocultural taboos, limited health education, and misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer and its risk factors hinder early detection and timely intervention. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024 across urban and rural areas of Kangra district. A total of 400 adults aged 18 years and above participated through a mixed sampling strategy. Data were collected using a pre-tested bilingual questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, cervical cancer knowledge, screening awareness, HPV-related understanding, and perception toward preventive care. Online responses were gathered. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 26.0 to generate descriptive summaries. Results: Among the participants, 77.8% were female, and 56.5% resided in rural areas. While 78.0% correctly identified cervical cancer as a malignancy of the cervix and 75.3% recognized HPV as the leading cause, notable misconceptions remained: only 66.8% knew HPV vaccination is not gender-specific, and just 67.5% supported screening for unmarried women. Overall, 38.8% demonstrated very good knowledge, 40.3% good, 15.3% fair, and 5.8% poor. Encouragingly, 79.8% expressed willingness to attend screening camps, suggesting openness to preventive action if access and stigma are addressed. Conclusion: Although baseline awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention in Kangra is relatively high, significant informational and cultural gaps persist, particularly regarding HPV transmission, vaccine eligibility, and attitudes toward screening. To improve outcomes, interventions must go beyond basic education and focus on debunking myths, normalizing gynecological care, and integrating services within existing community health frameworks. Inclusive, gender-sensitive strategies and rural outreach are key to empowering individuals and reducing the cervical cancer burden.