The escalating prevalence of overweight and obesity represents one of the most pressing global health challenges of the 21st century. The impact of these conditions extends far beyond physical appearance, affecting overall health, well-being and quality of life. While extensive research has shed light on the causes, consequences and prevention strategies for overweight and obesity, regional disparities in awareness and knowledge persist. In the serene landscape of District Bilaspur, nestled in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, understanding the levels of awareness and knowledge about the risk factors and prevention of overweight and obesity among the general population becomes paramount [1-4].

Overweight and obesity are complex conditions influenced by a myriad of factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle and socio-economic status. The consequences of these conditions encompass a broad spectrum of health issues, including an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. District Bilaspur, with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, is not immune to the global trends of rising overweight and obesity rates. Yet, the extent to which the residents of this region are informed about the risk factors and prevention strategies remains a subject of inquiry [5-7].

The pursuit of health and well-being has long been a universal aspiration and as societies evolve, so too do the means by which individuals seek to maintain a healthy weight. In recent years, the significance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing overweight and obesity has gained increasing recognition worldwide. This recognition is evident in the proliferation of scientific research, health initiatives and educational programs aimed at addressing these critical health issues. However, the effectiveness of such efforts depends greatly on the awareness and knowledge levels of the population [8-11].

District Bilaspur, with its diverse population, ranging from urban dwellers to rural communities, offers a unique setting to explore the awareness and knowledge surrounding overweight and obesity risk factors and 

prevention. This study endeavors to bridge the information gap by assessing the levels of awareness among the residents of District Bilaspur. Through comprehensive data collection and analysis, we aim to gauge the current awareness of the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity, identify knowledge gaps and explore the extent to which prevention strategies are integrated into daily routines.

Furthermore, this study holds significant implications for public health professionals, policymakers and community leaders in developing tailored interventions and educational programs aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices and reducing the burden of overweight and obesity in District Bilaspur. By shedding light on the existing knowledge gaps and perceptions surrounding these critical health issues, we aspire to contribute to the overall well-being and health promotion efforts within this community.

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to gauge the levels of awareness and knowledge about Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity among the general population of District Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh.

• Research Approach-Descriptive

• Research Design- Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration- between April 2023 to June 2023

• Study population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Bilaspur 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 Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity, 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 Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity 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 Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity. 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 Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh 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. 

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity among the general population of District Bilaspur. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 235 (58.75%) residing in urban areas and 165 (41.25%) in rural areas (Table 1).

In the present study 27% (108) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity, 38.75% (155) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 17.25% (69) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 17% (68) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the awareness and knowledge levels regarding the risk factors and prevention of overweight and obesity among the residents of District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. This discussion will analyze and contextualize the results, highlighting the implications and offering recommendations for public health interventions.

The study revealed a varied understanding of overweight and obesity among the participants. A significant majority (69%) demonstrated a clear understanding of these terms. This indicates that the majority of the population in District Bilaspur possesses foundational knowledge of what constitutes overweight and obesity. This awareness is crucial, as it forms the basis for individuals to recognize and address weight-related issues effectively.

Furthermore, more than half of the respondents were aware of the common health problems associated with being overweight or obese (56.5%). This indicates that a substantial portion of the population recognizes the health risks associated with excess weight, such as an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

However, some knowledge gaps were identified. Only 30.5% of respondents were aware of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Himachal Pradesh. This suggests a need for improved dissemination of regional health data and awareness campaigns highlighting the local context of this global issue.

Table 1: Knowledge regarding Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity among study participants

Table 2: Knowledge scores towards Risk Factors and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity among study participants

Understanding the factors contributing to overweight and obesity, especially in the local context, is essential for effective prevention. Approximately 45.25% of participants demonstrated awareness of these factors, indicating a moderate level of knowledge. This suggests that many individuals in District Bilaspur are conscious of the multifaceted nature of overweight and obesity, which can be influenced by genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. The study results indicate that a significant proportion of respondents (53.75%) had received education or information about maintaining a healthy weight through schools or community programs. This is a positive sign as it demonstrates that educational initiatives related to weight management and obesity prevention are reaching a substantial portion of the population. Such programs play a critical role in disseminating knowledge and promoting healthy behaviors.

A substantial number of participants recognized the importance of diet and nutrition (56.5%) and regular physical activity (59.75%) in maintaining a healthy weight. This reflects a good understanding of the fundamental lifestyle factors that can help prevent overweight and obesity. However, it is essential to translate this knowledge into actionable behaviors. A notable finding is that 62.25% of respondents identified specific barriers individuals face when trying to maintain a healthy weight in Himachal Pradesh. This highlights the need for targeted interventions that address these challenges, which could include access to healthy food options and cultural or lifestyle factors influencing eating habits.

The study participants acknowledged the need for community-level efforts (58%) and the role of healthcare providers (74.25%) in addressing overweight and obesity. This underscores the importance of a multi-sectoral approach involving both community-based initiatives and healthcare systems to combat this public health issue. It is noteworthy that only 25% of participants were aware of government policies or regulations in Himachal Pradesh aimed at addressing overweight and obesity. This indicates a potential gap in communicating public health policies to the general population. Raising awareness about existing policies and regulations can be crucial in fostering community engagement.

Comparing the knowledge levels and perceptions found in this study to other research can provide valuable insights into the regional context [8-11]. While this study specifically focused on District Bilaspur, it would be informative to assess how the results compare to similar studies conducted in neighboring regions or at the national level. Such comparative analyses can identify shared challenges and best practices for addressing overweight and obesity.

Localized Awareness Campaigns: Given the variability in knowledge levels, implementing localized awareness campaigns in District Bilaspur can help bridge knowledge gaps. These campaigns should emphasize regional prevalence and culturally relevant approaches to prevention:

• School and Community Programs: Continue and expand school and community programs that provide education on maintaining a healthy weight. These programs play a vital role in shaping lifelong behaviors

• Barriers and Challenges: Address specific barriers identified by respondents, such as access to healthy food options. Initiatives to improve food accessibility and affordability should be explored

• Intersectoral Collaboration: Foster collaboration between community organizations, healthcare providers and policymakers to develop comprehensive strategies for preventing overweight and obesity

• Policy Communication: Improve communication about government policies and regulations related to overweight and obesity. Ensuring that residents are aware of these policies can facilitate their implementation

This study illuminates the levels of awareness and knowledge regarding the risk factors and prevention of overweight and obesity in District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. While there is a substantial understanding of these issues among the population, there are also notable knowledge gaps and challenges that need to be addressed. By implementing targeted interventions and fostering community engagement, District Bilaspur can take significant steps towards reducing the burden of overweight and obesity and improving the overall health and well-being of its residents.

Ethical Approval

Ethical Considerations- Participants confidentiality and anonymity were maintained.

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