Background: Postnatal care, covering both physical recovery and mental health, is crucial for maternal and infant well-being. However, postpartum depression (PPD) remains underrecognized, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions like Himachal Pradesh. This study aimed to assess public awareness of postnatal care and PPD to identify knowledge gaps and inform targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 420 adult residents of Himachal Pradesh between January and March 2025. Using a structured, bilingual questionnaire, data were collected on awareness of postnatal care practices, recognition of PPD symptoms, and perceptions of family support. Knowledge scores were categorized into Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor, and analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0. Results: Participants were mainly female (60.2%), with a wide rural (46.9%) and urban (38.6%) representation. High awareness was observed regarding maternal and infant health focus (84.5%), emotional withdrawal as a PPD symptom (81.2%), and the importance of hygiene (86.2%) and nutrition (82.6%) post-delivery. However, only 63.8% recognized the role of community health workers in detecting PPD, and 69.5% understood that PPD can occur without clear triggers. Overall, 50.2% demonstrated Good awareness, 24.8% Very Good, 18.3% Fair, and 6.7% Poor awareness levels. Conclusion: While awareness of postnatal care and PPD is growing, critical gaps persist, especially regarding subtle symptoms and early intervention. Strengthening family involvement, training healthcare workers, and integrating mental health education into postnatal services are essential to improve maternal health outcomes across Himachal Pradesh.

Background: Visual health significantly affects educational attainment, workplace productivity, and overall quality of life, yet refractive errors, despite being easily correctable, remain prevalent globally. Limited awareness and misconceptions, especially in rural and mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh, India, exacerbate this issue, leading to preventable visual impairments. This study assessed public knowledge, misconceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviors related to refractive errors to inform targeted health interventions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024 among 400 adults across Himachal Pradesh using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed electronically via social media platforms. The questionnaire included socio-demographic details, 20 multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge and awareness of refractive errors, and healthcare-seeking behavior. Knowledge scores were categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (41–59%), and Poor (<40%). Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests using SPSS v26.0. Results: The study included 400 valid respondents, predominantly from rural areas (56.5%) and within the economically active age groups of 26–35 (35.3%) and 36–45 years (28.5%). Knowledge assessment revealed strong foundational awareness: 85.3% understood glasses could correct refractive errors, and 84.3% identified ophthalmologists as relevant specialists. However, significant knowledge gaps persisted concerning specific causes (irregular cornea/lens shape, 70.8%) and nutritional risk factors (vitamin A deficiency, 64.3%). Overall knowledge scores indicated 36.8% had Very Good knowledge, 40.8% Good, 17.8% Fair, and 4.8% Poor knowledge. Conclusion: Despite generally good awareness, considerable gaps persist in detailed understanding of refractive errors in Himachal Pradesh. To effectively bridge these gaps, targeted community-based educational interventions, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and integrating eye health education into routine care are urgently needed, particularly in underserved rural communities. Enhanced visual health literacy can significantly reduce preventable visual impairments and improve overall quality of life.