Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency characterized by the inflammation of the vermiform appendix, a small pouch located at the junction of the small and large intestines. It is one of the most frequent causes of abdominal pain worldwide and often requires prompt surgical intervention for its management [1-3].

Appendicitis, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, including perforation and peritonitis, which can be life-threatening. Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial in preventing such complications. However, the success of early diagnosis largely depends on the public's ability to recognize the symptoms of appendicitis and seek prompt medical attention [4,5].

The state of Maharashtra, of which Kolhapur is a part, is home to a diverse population with varying levels of education, socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. Understanding the level of awareness and knowledge about acute appendicitis among the residents of Kolhapur can provide insights into the effectiveness of public health education campaigns and the need for targeted interventions to improve health literacy.

Several studies conducted in different regions have highlighted the inadequate knowledge and misconceptions regarding appendicitis among the general public. For instance, a study in Nigeria found that a significant proportion of participants were unaware of the symptoms and potential complications of appendicitis.2 Similarly, researches in India has shown that delayed medical presentation due to lack of awareness is not uncommon in cases of appendicitis [6-10].

In the context of Kolhapur, a region with its unique cultural, linguistic and healthcare access characteristics, it becomes imperative to examine whether the existing healthcare information dissemination strategies effectively reach the population. By identifying gaps in knowledge, this study can inform healthcare providers, policymakers and educators on the specific areas that need attention and improvement.

Furthermore, enhancing public awareness about acute appendicitis aligns with the broader goal of reducing healthcare disparities and improving the overall health outcomes of the community. It can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and seek timely medical care when needed.

In this study, we aim to employ a comprehensive survey instrument to collect data on the awareness and knowledge of acute appendicitis among residents of Kolhapur. The findings of this research will serve as a foundation for the development of targeted health education programs and public awareness campaigns aimed at improving appendicitis-related knowledge, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the population.

Objectives of the Study

The study's primary objective is to gauge the extent to which the general public in Kolhapur, Maharashtra is informed about acute appendicitis.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study Area: Kolhapur, Maharashtra

• Study Duration: March 2023 to May 2023

• Study Population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of Kolhapur, Maharashtra 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 acute appendicitis, 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 acute appendicitis 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, including age, marital status, religion, employment, education and more

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding acute appendicitis. 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 were collected under the guidance of supervisors. The Google Form questionnaire was distributed among the residents of Kolhapur, Maharashtra and responses were obtained through online channels such as email and social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, until 400 responses were gathered

• Data Analysis: Data were collected and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software using appropriate statistical tests in terms of frequencies and percentages

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of acute appendicitis among the general population of Kolhapur, Maharashtra through a non-experimental descriptive survey. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 257 (64.25%) being males and 143 (35.75%) being females (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Acute Appendicitis Among Study Participants

In the present study 29.25% (117) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards acute appendicitis, 38.5% (154) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 22% (88) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 10.25% (41) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).

Table 2: Knowledge Score Regarding Acute Appendicitis Among Study Participants

The findings of this study reveal the state of awareness and knowledge concerning acute appendicitis among the residents of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Acute appendicitis, characterized by the inflammation of the vermiform appendix, is a frequent cause of abdominal pain globally and requires timely medical intervention for effective management. Inadequate knowledge about this condition can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, potentially resulting in severe complications [4-6].

Comparing the results of this study with previous research from different regions, it becomes evident that knowledge gaps regarding acute appendicitis are not unique to Kolhapur. A study in Nigeria found a significant lack of awareness among participants regarding appendicitis symptoms and complications, akin to the findings in this study [2]. Similarly, researches conducted in India reported delayed medical presentation due to a lack of awareness, aligning with the concerns raised in this study [6-8].

The study also highlights specific areas where knowledge improvement is crucial. For example, while a majority of participants correctly identified what acute appendicitis is 72.25% and its location 63.5%, fewer were aware that acute appendicitis cannot resolve on its own without treatment 48%. Additionally, only 41% were knowledgeable about the potential complications associated with untreated appendicitis. These findings underscore the need for targeted health education and awareness campaigns in Kolhapur to enhance public understanding of acute appendicitis.

Efforts to enhance public awareness about acute appendicitis can have a positive impact on healthcare outcomes. Early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention are critical in preventing complications, such as perforation and peritonitis. Moreover, improved knowledge can empower individuals to make informed decisions about seeking prompt medical care [8-10].

It is important to note that a significant proportion of respondents 30.75% believed that acute appendicitis cannot affect people of all ages, including children and the elderly. This misconception highlights the need for targeted educational efforts to dispel such myths and misconceptions.

Limitations

Despite its contributions, this study has some limitations. The research design employed was a cross-sectional survey, which provides a snapshot of knowledge at a particular point in time but cannot capture changes over time. The use of a questionnaire may introduce response bias and the study's reliance on online platforms for data collection might exclude individuals without internet access. Data collection relied on self-reporting, which may introduce response bias. Additionally, the study's sample was limited to residents of Kolhapur, which may not be representative of broader regional or national knowledge levels. Future research could benefit from longitudinal designs and more diverse participant samples.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the level of awareness and knowledge of acute appendicitis among the general public in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Study reveals a significant knowledge gap regarding acute appendicitis in the general population of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The findings underscore the need for targeted health education programs and public awareness campaigns to bridge the knowledge gap. By addressing these knowledge deficits, healthcare providers and policymakers can contribute to better health outcomes and a reduction in healthcare disparities in the region. It is essential to continue efforts to improve awareness and knowledge about acute appendicitis, as this can ultimately lead to better health outcomes and reduced complications associated with this common surgical emergency.

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