Hernia is a common medical condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, posing a significant burden on public health systems and individuals' well-being. It occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in the muscle or connective tissue that usually holds it in place [1,2].

Hernias can manifest in various forms, including inguinal, umbilical, femoral, and incisional hernias, each with its unique set of risk factors and symptoms. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing complications, which can include severe pain, organ damage, and emergency surgery. However, the lack of awareness about hernias often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating the health and economic burden associated with this condition [3-5].

Despite its prevalence, there exists a wide gap in the awareness and knowledge of hernias among the general public, which can have profound implications for early diagnosis and effective management. This study aims to shed light on the levels of awareness and knowledge about hernia among the residents of Lima, the capital city of Peru.

Understanding the current state of awareness and knowledge about hernias in Lima is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it can inform healthcare practitioners and policymakers about the need for targeted public health campaigns and educational initiatives. Secondly, it can serve as a basis for designing interventions aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge levels among the population, ultimately leading to earlier detection and better management of hernias. Lastly, it can contribute to the global body of knowledge on public health awareness and education regarding common medical conditions.

Aims and Objectives of the Study

The study's primary objective is to gauge the extent to which the general public in Lima is informed about hernias. This includes assessing their knowledge of hernia types, risk factors,   common  symptoms,   and    available treatment options. Additionally, the study aims to identify any misconceptions or myths surrounding hernias, which may hinder early recognition and appropriate medical consultation.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study Area: Lima, Peru

• 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 Lima, Peru 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 Hernia, 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 Hernia 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 Hernia. One mark was given for each correct answer, and zero was given for an incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20, and the minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as follows: >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 to residents of Lima, Peru, via online platforms such as email and social media platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn until 400 responses were obtained

• Data Analysis: Data were collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed using Epi Info V7 Software, with appropriate statistical tests conducted to determine frequencies and percentages

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity were maintained

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of Hernia among the general population of Lima, Peru through a non-experimental descriptive survey. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 253 (63.25%) being males and 147 (36.75%) being females (Table 1).
 

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Hernia among Study Participants

In the present study 24.25% (97) participants had very good     knowledge   (16-20 marks)    towards  Hernia, 35.5% (142) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 25.25% (101) had fair knowledge  (8-11 marks) and 15.0% (60) having poor knowledge  (<8 marks) (Table 2).

Table 2: Knowledge Score Regarding Hernia among Study Participants

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the levels of awareness and knowledge about hernias among the general population of Lima, Peru. Hernias are a prevalent medical condition, and understanding the public's awareness is crucial for improving early detection, reducing complications, and enhancing overall public health [5-6].

Comparing our study's results with other studies conducted in various regions and populations can help us gauge the comprehensiveness of the awareness and knowledge levels. In our study, 68.5% correctly identified what a hernia is. This percentage is comparable to the findings of a study in a similar urban setting in Mexico City, where 70% of participants demonstrated a basic understanding of hernias [7].

Furthermore, our study indicated that significant proportions of respondents correctly identified the typical locations of hernias (64.75%) and recognized common symptoms (65.75%). These figures align with a study conducted in the United States, which reported that 67% of participants were aware of the common symptoms associated with hernias [8].

However, there were areas where awareness and knowledge could be improved. For instance, only 45.75% of our respondents were aware of the treatment options for hernias, while a study in Canada found that 55% of participants had knowledge of hernia treatments [9]. Similarly, our study revealed that only 41.25% knew about the different surgical techniques used for hernia repair, whereas a study in the United Kingdom reported a higher awareness level of 58% regarding surgical techniques [10].

Understanding risk factors and preventive measures is essential for public health. In our study, 62% of respondents recognized that certain activities or behaviors could increase the risk of hernias. This percentage is slightly lower than the findings of a study in Australia, where 68% of participants were aware of hernia risk factors [11]. Additionally, while over half of our participants acknowledged the importance of lifestyle modifications or preventive measures (51.25%), a study in Sweden reported a higher percentage of 64% who recognized the significance of preventive actions [12].

Implications and Recommendations

Comparing our study with others reinforces the notion that there is a global need for enhanced public education on hernias. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives should aim to bridge the knowledge gaps identified in our study while considering the regional variations in awareness and knowledge levels.

Furthermore, healthcare providers should take a proactive role in disseminating accurate information about hernias, given the consistency in   knowledge    gaps across different studies. This includes discussing preventive measures, recognizing symptoms, and explaining treatment options during routine healthcare visits.

Limitations

It is essential to acknowledge some limitations of this study. The data collection method relied on online surveys, which may not fully represent individuals without internet access or those who are less digitally inclined. Additionally, self-reporting of knowledge may not always reflect actual understanding or behavior, which is an inherent limitation in knowledge assessment studies.

This study provides a valuable assessment of hernia awareness and knowledge levels among the general public in Lima, Peru. While there is a baseline understanding of hernias, opportunities exist to enhance knowledge about treatment options, surgical techniques, risk factors, and preventive measures. Strengthening public awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis, better management, and improved overall health outcomes for individuals with hernias.

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