Background: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with survival outcomes often compromised by late-stage diagnosis and poor community awareness. In India, rising rates of tobacco use, environmental pollution, and limited access to healthcare exacerbate this issue, particularly in geographically challenging regions like Shimla. Situated at high altitude, Shimla faces unique health vulnerabilities due to cold climate, biomass fuel usage, and misconceptions surrounding respiratory symptoms. Despite these risks, public understanding of lung cancer in such regions remains insufficiently explored. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 adult residents of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Participants were recruited via purposive and convenience sampling through digital platforms, and data was collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The survey evaluated socio-demographic data, knowledge of lung cancer symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tools, and attitudes toward early detection. Awareness levels were categorized as very good (≥80%), good (60–79%), fair (41–59%), or poor (<40%). Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data using Microsoft Excel. Results: Participants demonstrated an overall promising awareness of lung cancer, with 36.0% showing very good knowledge and 39.0% good knowledge. Most respondents identified smoking (79.0%) and secondhand smoke (76.0%) as primary risk factors, and correctly recognized persistent cough (83.0%) as a major symptom. Knowledge of diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy (78.0%) and chest X-rays (72.0%) was also high. However, awareness of early asymptomatic presentation (71.0%), shortness of breath (67.0%), and recurrence risk post-treatment (62.0%) was notably lower. Awareness gaps were more evident among participants with limited education and rural backgrounds. Conclusion: The study reveals a moderately high level of awareness about lung cancer among Shimla’s population, but also underscores persistent misconceptions and knowledge deficiencies—especially concerning less obvious symptoms and long-term disease management. To mitigate these gaps and promote timely diagnosis, community-driven, inclusive educational initiatives tailored to local needs are essential. Leveraging digital tools, frontline health workers, and culturally relevant communication strategies will be pivotal in enhancing health literacy and reducing lung cancer burden in high-altitude populations.

Background: Fractures are prevalent in rural areas, yet limited understanding of first-aid and bone health often worsens outcomes. This study investigates the knowledge, perceptions and misconceptions about fracture first-aid and bone health among rural residents of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh and explores demographic influences on awareness. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 460 adults was conducted in Kangra from Jan to March 2025, using a structured questionnaire on socio-demographics, fracture management knowledge and bone health practices. Knowledge was classified as Excellent (≥80%), Satisfactory (60%–79%), Moderate (41%–59%), or Low (<40%). Associations between demographics and knowledge were statistically analyzed. Results: Awareness was moderate, with 36.1% showing "Excellent" and 38.5% "Satisfactory" knowledge. While 84.3% recognized the need for immobilization in fractures and 80.2% identified calcium as vital for bones, gaps were evident: only 62.8% understood avoiding limb movement and 60.4% connected vitamin D to bone strength. Rural and less-educated participants showed lower awareness. Conclusion: Despite reasonable knowledge, critical deficiencies in fracture first-aid and bone health understanding necessitate focused educational initiatives and enhanced healthcare access in rural Kangra to improve injury outcomes and bone resilience.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen are widely used for managing pain, inflammation and fever. However, the ease of over-the-counter access and widespread self-medication practices have contributed to the unsafe and often uninformed use of NSAIDs, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to evaluate the community’s awareness, self-medication behaviors and knowledge regarding NSAID use and associated risks. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adult residents of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, between January and March 2025. A bilingual, pre-tested questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, NSAID usage patterns, awareness of side effects and self-medication practices. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and online forms. Knowledge scores were categorized into four levels: Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (41–59%) and Poor (<40%). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 400 participants, 51.8% were female and 65.8% resided in rural areas. While 78.5% correctly identified NSAIDs as pain and inflammation relievers and 81.5% recognized common examples, significant gaps remained in awareness of their adverse effects: only 66.8% knew of renal risks and 61.5% of cardiovascular complications. A promising 83.5% emphasized consulting a doctor for prolonged NSAID use, yet 19.3% exhibited only fair knowledge and 7.5% poor knowledge. Misconceptions regarding combining NSAIDs and their use during viral infections persisted, highlighting the need for improved education on safe medication practices. Conclusion: Although foundational awareness of NSAIDs was observed among Mandi’s residents, critical deficiencies in understanding potential side effects and safe usage practices underscore the need for targeted public health interventions. Promoting rational NSAID use through pharmacist-led counseling, community-based educational initiatives and culturally adapted communication strategies is vital to bridge the knowledge-practice gap, reduce NSAID-related health risks and encourage safer self-medication behaviors in the community.

Background: Hypertension, often termed the "silent killer," is a major public health challenge worldwide, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and renal failure. Despite its high prevalence, early detection and management of hypertension remain inadequate, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. In India, lifestyle transitions, stress, and an aging population have contributed to a rising burden. This study aimed to assess community knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to hypertension, identifying existing gaps to inform future interventions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 adult residents of Shimla district. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling using online platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and email. A structured, bilingual (Hindi and English) Google Forms questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, hypertension knowledge, early detection practices, management behaviors, and common misconceptions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and knowledge levels were classified into Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor categories. Results: Of the 400 participants, 53.0% were female, and 67.0% resided in rural areas. A majority (38.5%) were aged between 26–35 years. Awareness of hypertension was relatively high, with 81.3% correctly identifying it as high blood pressure and 75.5% recognizing its asymptomatic nature. Risk factors like high salt intake (77.5%) and stress (74.8%) were well understood, and preventive practices such as regular blood pressure monitoring (84.3%) and physical activity (82.8%) were widely acknowledged. However, only 66.3% correctly recognized that hypertension cannot be completely cured, and just 60.8% understood the critical role of medication in management. Overall, 32.8% demonstrated "Very Good" knowledge, 41.3% "Good," 19.5% "Fair," and 6.5% "Poor," highlighting significant gaps among about one-fourth of the population. Conclusion: While the community in Shimla district shows encouraging levels of hypertension awareness, notable misconceptions and knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding symptom recognition, disease curability, and treatment adherence. Focused, culturally appropriate public health interventions are urgently needed to enhance hypertension literacy, promote early detection, encourage sustained management, and ultimately reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region.

Background: Acute appendicitis is a leading cause of acute abdomen requiring emergency surgical intervention. Early clinical diagnosis and histopathological confirmation are critical to optimizing outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological correlation in cases of acute appendicitis and assess surgical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care center. Fifty patients clinically diagnosed with acute appendicitis were evaluated based on clinical signs, laboratory investigations, surgical findings and histopathological results. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of patients were males (76%) with the most affected age group being 11-20 years. Right lower quadrant tenderness (88%) and leukocytosis (64%) were common findings. Histopathology revealed acute appendicitis in 56%, with suppurative and gangrenous types accounting for 20% and 10%, respectively. Open appendectomy was performed in 70% of cases. Postoperative wound infection occurred in 10% of patients and intra-abdominal abscesses developed in 4%. Conclusion: Acute appendicitis remains a predominantly clinical diagnosis supported by laboratory and imaging studies. Histopathological examination provides definitive confirmation and prompt surgical intervention ensures optimal patient outcomes.

Background: Uterine fibroids are among the most common gynecological conditions affecting women of reproductive age, yet awareness surrounding their symptoms, risk factors and management remains limited, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities. In regions like Himachal Pradesh, socio-cultural taboos and misinformation often delay diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating complications. This study aimed to assess public awareness of uterine fibroids among women in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on symptom recognition, prevailing myths and treatment-seeking behavior. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 420 women aged 18-50 years in Himachal Pradesh. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling through digital platforms. A bilingual, structured, pre-validated questionnaire assessed socio-demographic profiles, fibroid symptom awareness, myths and healthcare-seeking behavior. Responses were scored and categorized into four levels of awareness: Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of participants were between 26-35 years (38.6%) and married (57.6%). While 77.9% correctly identified fibroids as benign uterine growths and 81.7% recognized heavy menstrual bleeding as a key symptom, knowledge about risk factors such as family history (65.2%) and obesity (66.9%) was moderate. Although myths linking fibroids to moral failings or witchcraft were largely rejected by most respondents, gaps in treatment awareness persisted; only 61.7% were aware of non-surgical treatment options. Overall, 45.0% of participants had "Good" awareness, 27.9% exhibited "Very Good" awareness, while 27.1% fell into "Fair" or "Poor" categories. Conclusion: Despite encouraging levels of basic symptom recognition, significant knowledge gaps and cultural myths about uterine fibroids remain prevalent among women in Himachal Pradesh. Targeted community-based education programs, combined with improved access to gynecological services, are urgently needed to bridge these gaps, promote early diagnosis and empower women to seek timely and informed care.

Background: Effective solid waste management is central to environmental protection and public health. In India, despite nationwide efforts like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, improper disposal and lack of awareness continue to challenge sustainable sanitation goals, particularly in geographically diverse regions such as Himachal Pradesh. This study aimed to evaluate public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding solid waste disposal and sanitation practices. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 430 adult residents across rural and urban Himachal Pradesh. Using a structured bilingual questionnaire, data were collected on socio-demographics, knowledge of waste segregation and recycling, and attitudes toward environmental sanitation. Knowledge scores were categorized into four levels: Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%), and Poor (<40%). Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Results: The majority of respondents (76.7%) demonstrated good or very good awareness, particularly regarding waste segregation, bin color codes, and the harmful effects of plastic burning. However, misconceptions persisted around sanitary waste disposal, methane emissions from organic waste, and e-waste classification. Urban residents and individuals with higher education showed greater knowledge. While 44.6% scored in the "Good" category, 18.4% and 4.9% fell under “Fair” and “Poor” respectively, highlighting the need for enhanced education, especially in rural areas. Conclusion: Public awareness of solid waste management in Himachal Pradesh is growing but remains uneven. To bridge existing gaps, community-based education, sustained behavioral campaigns, and localized waste management strategies are essential. Encouraging collective responsibility and informed participation will be key to achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

Background: Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, poses a significant challenge in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, where limited eye care access and low awareness hinder early detection. This study aimed to evaluate public awareness of glaucoma, its risk factors and screening practices, focusing on addressing knowledge gaps and barriers in this urban-rural interface. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to February 2025, targeting adults aged 18–60 years in Shimla District. A bilingual (Hindi/English) questionnaire, hosted on Google Forms, assessed socio-demographic factors, knowledge of glaucoma, screening practices and barriers. Using convenience sampling, 430 participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics v27.0, with knowledge scores categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%) and Poor (<40%). Results: Participants, primarily aged 18–35 years (72.6%) and female (56.5%), showed moderate awareness: 81.2% recognized early glaucoma detection via exams, 83.5% identified medication benefits and 85.8% noted cost as a barrier. Gaps existed in screening frequency (58.8%), asymptomatic progression (62.6%) and age-related risks (60.9%). Knowledge levels were Very Good (26.3%), Good (47.4%), Fair (20.7%) and Poor (5.6%). Limited eye care access (34.2%) highlighted rural challenges. Conclusion: While glaucoma awareness is improving, knowledge gaps and access barriers persist in Shimla District. Targeted education, integrated screenings and rural outreach are crucial to preventing vision loss.

Background: Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of maternal well-being, particularly during pregnancy when physiological and hormonal changes increase susceptibility to ENT disorders. This study aims to assess the awareness, knowledge, and healthcare-seeking behavior of pregnant women regarding ENT health in Chamba and Hamirpur districts of Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 pregnant women in Chamba and Hamirpur districts of Himachal Pradesh, over a three-month period (October–December 2024). A structured, pre-validated online questionnaire was used for data collection, comprising three sections: socio-demographic information, knowledge and awareness assessment (20 multiple-choice questions), and healthcare-seeking behavior. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants through digital platforms, including maternal healthcare groups and ASHA networks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between demographic variables and awareness levels. Results: The majority of participants (34.1%) were aged 26–35 years, and 59.5% resided in rural areas. Educational attainment varied, with 31.5% having completed secondary education and 33.0% holding an undergraduate degree. Knowledge assessment revealed that 78.0% correctly identified ENT as referring to “Ear, Nose, and Throat,” while 71.8% recognized nasal congestion as a common pregnancy-related ENT issue. However, gaps persisted, with only 64.0% aware of vitamin B12 deficiency’s role in hearing issues, and 66.5% recognizing the risks of untreated strep throat during pregnancy. The classification of knowledge scores showed that 37.8% of participants had very good knowledge (≥80% correct responses), 39.8% had good knowledge (60%–79%), 17.3% had fair knowledge (41%–59%), and 5.3% demonstrated poor awareness (<40%). Conclusion: This study highlights the need for improved awareness of ENT health among pregnant women in Himachal Pradesh. Despite moderate general knowledge, significant gaps exist in understanding pregnancy-related ENT disorders, their risks, and the necessity of medical intervention. Integrating ENT health education into routine antenatal care, strengthening healthcare provider training, and utilizing community-based outreach programs can bridge these gaps, ensuring early diagnosis and better maternal health outcomes.

Background: Proper insulin injection technique is crucial for achieving optimal glycemic control and preventing complications. However, there is limited data on the awareness and practice of correct insulin administration in semi-urban and hilly regions like Shimla, India. Objective: To assess the awareness and knowledge of proper insulin injection technique among people with diabetes in Shimla. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 200 insulin-using diabetic patients visiting outpatient departments in IGMC Shimla and AIMSS Chamiana. A structured questionnaire assessed participants’ knowledge regarding insulin storage, injection sites, needle reuse, rotation practices, and disposal methods. Results:  Out of 200 participants, 62% were male and 38% were female, with a mean age of 54.3 ± 11.5 years. While 84% were aware of insulin storage guidelines, only 47% knew the correct subcutaneous injection sites. Needle reuse was common, with 58% reusing needles more than three times. Site rotation was practiced by 39% of participants. Only 32% reported correct disposal of used needles. Overall, 44% demonstrated adequate knowledge of insulin injection techniques. Higher awareness was significantly associated with higher education level and attendance at diabetes education sessions (p<0.01). Conclusion: The study highlights suboptimal awareness regarding proper insulin injection technique in the Shimla population. There is an urgent need for structured education and counseling programs to improve insulin administration practices and prevent complications.

Background: Menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, amenorrhea, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are common yet often poorly understood health issues that significantly affect the physical, emotional, and social well-being of women. In regions like Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, cultural stigma, limited health education, and low health-seeking behavior further compound the problem. Despite national efforts to improve menstrual hygiene, there remains a gap in awareness about menstrual disorders and their management, especially in semi-urban and rural populations. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024 in Kangra district to assess public awareness and knowledge of menstrual disorders. A total of 400 adults aged 18 and above participated through purposive and convenience sampling across rural and urban settings. A pre-tested bilingual questionnaire was administered digitally, collecting data on socio-demographics, awareness of menstrual disorders, and perceptions around menstrual health. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0 with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify significant associations. Results: The majority of participants were female (77.0%) and aged between 26–45 years (62.5%). Educational attainment was high, with 69.8% having secondary or higher education. Awareness of key menstrual conditions was encouraging-81.5% correctly identified dysmenorrhea, 77.0% recognized PCOS as a hormonal disorder, and 84.3% knew that gynecologists are the appropriate specialists. However, only 66.8% identified androgens as the hormonal cause of PCOS, and 67.5% were aware of thyroid’s influence on menstruation. While 80.5% supported menstrual education for adolescents, 65.8% acknowledged menstruation as a taboo in rural areas. Overall, 80.3% of respondents demonstrated good to very good knowledge, with 15.3% scoring fair and 4.5% poor. Conclusion: While the general level of menstrual health awareness in Kangra is encouraging, persistent gaps in understanding hormonal causes, treatment options, and sociocultural barriers remain. These findings call for comprehensive, inclusive menstrual health education that addresses stigma, promotes early intervention, and ensures equitable access to accurate information. Multisectoral strategies involving schools, community health workers, media, and male engagement are essential to transform awareness into meaningful change.

Background Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is a prevalent ocular condition characterized by redness, irritation, and discharge. Despite its typically benign nature, widespread misconceptions about its transmission, severity, and treatment often lead to delayed medical care, inappropriate self-medication, and preventable complications. This study aimed to systematically evaluate public awareness, perceptions, and prevalent misconceptions about conjunctivitis among residents of Himachal Pradesh, India, to inform targeted health education initiatives. Material and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2024 among 400 adult residents of Himachal Pradesh. Participants were recruited via convenience and purposive sampling techniques using online questionnaires distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire, available in Hindi and English, included socio-demographic information, 20 conjunctivitis-specific knowledge assessment questions, and items evaluating healthcare-seeking behavior. Responses were scored and categorized into four knowledge levels: Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (41–59%), and Poor (<40%). Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, conducted with SPSS version 26.0. Results Participants showed generally good baseline knowledge, with the majority correctly identifying conjunctivitis as contagious (85.3%) and recognizing common preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing (73.3%) and avoiding personal item sharing (79.8%). However, notable misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding causes of conjunctivitis (e.g., only 63.3% knew ear wax was not a cause) and complications like corneal damage from untreated conjunctivitis (65.3%). Knowledge scores revealed that 37.8% had Very Good knowledge, 39.8% Good, 16.8% Fair, and 5.8% Poor, with rural and less-educated participants disproportionately falling into lower knowledge categories. Conclusion While overall foundational awareness of conjunctivitis in Himachal Pradesh is satisfactory, critical knowledge gaps and misconceptions remain, especially among rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Effective public health strategies should prioritize targeted educational interventions, culturally sensitive messaging, and improved access to ophthalmic care services. Such measures can significantly enhance community understanding, encourage timely medical intervention, and reduce the preventable ocular morbidity associated with conjunctivitis.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plant species in the Municipality of Linamon, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines in treating acute respiratory infections was conducted to identify and document the mode of preparation, utilization, availability of plants, plant parts used, RFC values endemicity, and conservation status. The study was carried out in eight (8) Barangays of Linamon using a semi-structured questionnaire with 160 informants from 30 years old and above. The respondents mentioned a total of 59 ethnobotanical plants distributed to 36 families. The plant species were identified through their mode of use. These plants' utilization depends on the availability of plant species in the area. Spreading awareness of the importance of these plants can help in the conservation of traditional knowledge of inhabitants in Linamon and other local areas in the utilization of these plant species.

Background: The common sperm preparation techniques may have several disadvantages related to the centrifugation steps and continued cell-to-cell attachment in the pellet.Objectives: This study aimed to experiment a centrifugation-free modified technique for selecting motile spermatozoa with intact DNA.Methodology: Seventy semen samples from normozoospermic men, according to the WHO standard criteria, were enrolled in this study. Following semen analysis, each sample was divided into three portions (P1-P3); each portion was prepared using one of the studied techniques: P1 swimming-up (SU), P2 pellet swimming-up (P-SU), and P3, the modified technique called “swimming-within” (S-Within). Sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, acrosome reaction (AR), mitochondrial activity (MA), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing were assessed pre-and post-processing. Results: Pellet swimming up technique resulted in significantly higher SDF than direct swimming up and swimming within techniques (P  0.01). Spermatozoa with unreacted acrosome was significantly higher in swimming within techniques than in pellet and direct swimming up techniques (P  0.01). Moreover, the percentage of active mitochondria was significantly higher in swimming within techniques than in pellet and direct swimming up techniques (P  0.01).Conclusion: The S-within technique may be a good option for selecting a high concentration of motile spermatozoa with normal morphology, intact DNA, non-reacted acrosome, and high mitochondrial activity.