Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), encompassing conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic, debilitating gastrointestinal disorders characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. These conditions are known to significantly affect the quality of life of those afflicted and pose substantial challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. The global prevalence of IBD has been steadily rising, with an estimated 3.4 million individuals affected in the United States alone. While IBD has garnered considerable attention in Western countries, our understanding of its prevalence, impact, and management in different regions, particularly in India, remains a complex and evolving landscape [1-4].

District Moga, nestled in the northwestern state of Punjab, India, presents a unique sociodemographic and cultural milieu that may significantly influence the perception and management of IBD. Punjab, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and distinct dietary practices, is poised to contribute valuable insights into the regional dynamics of IBD. Furthermore, healthcare infrastructure and accessibility to medical resources in Punjab play pivotal roles in shaping healthcare-seeking behaviors and disease management strategies [5,6].

This study seeks to bridge the knowledge gap by undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the levels of awareness and knowledge regarding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases among the general populace of District Moga, Punjab. By doing so, we aspire to uncover regional variations in IBD awareness, explore the influence of cultural factors on its management, and inform strategies for enhanced patient education and healthcare delivery tailored to this specific context. As IBD continues to emerge as a global healthcare challenge, it is essential to unravel its local dynamics and empower individuals and healthcare professionals in District Moga with the knowledge necessary to effectively manage this complex condition. The findings from this study have the potential to contribute to the development of targeted public health campaigns, educational initiatives, and healthcare policies, ultimately leading to improved IBD management and a better quality of life for those grappling with this condition in the region.

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to gauge the levels of awareness and knowledge about Inflammatory Bowel Diseases among the general population of District Moga, Punjab

Research Approach 

Descriptive

Research Design

Cross-sectional survey design

Study Area

District Moga, Punjab

Study Duration

Between January 2023 to March 2023

Study Population

The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Moga, Punjab 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 Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 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 Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 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 Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 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 Moga, Punjab 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 primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases among the general population of District Moga, Punjab. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 290 (72.50%) residing in urban areas and 110 (27.50%) in rural areas (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases among Study Participants

In the present study 16.25% (65) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 25.25% (101) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 31.75% (127) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 26.75% (107) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Knowledge Scores towards Inflammatory Bowel Diseases among Study Participants

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the awareness and knowledge levels concerning Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) among the general population of District Moga, Punjab. IBD, encompassing conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, constitutes a complex healthcare challenge that necessitates a thorough understanding among both the public and healthcare professionals for effective management and improved quality of life.

The study results reveal a diverse spectrum of knowledge levels among the participants. Approximately 16.25% of the respondents demonstrated a very good understanding of IBD, scoring between 16 to 20 points on the knowledge assessment. This group exhibited a comprehensive grasp of IBD, including its types, symptoms, risk factors, and management strategies. Another 25.25% showed good knowledge, indicating a solid foundation in IBD-related information. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that a significant portion of the population exhibited fair (31.75%) or poor (26.75%) knowledge, scoring below 12 points.

This distribution of knowledge levels underscores the need for tailored educational interventions in District Moga to elevate overall IBD awareness. Educational campaigns should not only target the general populace but also prioritize subgroups with lower knowledge levels, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure a more informed community.

District Moga's unique cultural and sociodemographic landscape in Punjab introduces an intriguing dimension to the findings. Punjab is celebrated for its distinctive cultural heritage and dietary practices, which might impact the prevalence and management of gastrointestinal disorders, including IBD. Although this study did not directly explore the influence of dietary factors on IBD knowledge, future research could delve into this aspect, as it holds the potential to tailor dietary recommendations to local preferences [6-9]. Comparing the study's findings with research conducted in other regions reveals significant variations in IBD awareness levels. Studies conducted in Western countries, where extensive research on IBD has been undertaken, often report higher levels of awareness and knowledge. In contrast, studies in regions with limited exposure to IBD-related information may reveal lower levels of understanding, as seen in the present study [10-12].

These regional disparities underscore the importance of region-specific educational campaigns. Strategies for disseminating information should consider cultural nuances and dietary practices that can influence the perception and management of IBD. By adapting successful models from other regions while accommodating the local context, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop effective awareness and education initiatives tailored to the unique needs of District Moga.

The study's findings carry significant implications for healthcare providers, public health authorities, and policymakers in District Moga. It is evident that there is a substantial scope for improvement in IBD awareness and knowledge levels among the population. Addressing this knowledge deficit is critical for several reasons:

• Timely Diagnosis and Management: Increased awareness can lead to the early recognition of IBD symptoms, motivating individuals to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis. Timely intervention can enhance IBD management and improve patients' quality of life

• Reduced Stigma: Raising awareness can reduce the stigma associated with gastrointestinal disorders, fostering a more supportive and understanding community for individuals living with IBD

• Optimized Healthcare Resource Utilization: A well-informed population is more likely to use healthcare resources efficiently, reducing unnecessary visits and tests, which can be beneficial both for patients and the healthcare system

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Empowering individuals with knowledge about IBD can help them make informed lifestyle choices and dietary decisions, potentially alleviating symptoms and enhancing their overall quality of life

To address these implications, healthcare providers, in collaboration with public health agencies, can design and implement culturally sensitive educational programs. These programs should not only target the general population but also focus on healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis and management of IBD.

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the current levels of awareness and knowledge regarding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases within District Moga, Punjab. While some participants exhibited a strong understanding of IBD, a substantial proportion had limited knowledge. These findings underscore the need for region-specific educational initiatives that consider cultural factors and dietary practices. By enhancing IBD awareness and knowledge, we can improve the diagnosis, management, and quality of life for individuals grappling with IBD in District Moga.

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