Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with an alarming rise in incidence among middle-aged adults, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, undergoing significant lifestyle transitions, offers a pertinent context for evaluating community-level awareness and preventive practices against heart disease. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025 across rural, semi-urban and urban areas of Solan district. The study included 400 middle-aged adults (35–55 years) using purposive and snowball sampling. A structured, bilingual questionnaire assessed socio-demographic profiles, knowledge of CVD risk factors, risk perception and preventive behaviors. Data were collected via an online platform (Google Forms), scored systematically and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Knowledge levels were categorized into "Very Good," "Good," "Fair," and "Poor," and chi-square tests were applied to identify associations, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants (70.3%) were aged between 35–45 years, with 67.0% residing in rural areas and 66.3% attaining secondary education or higher. Awareness of classical CVD risk factors was relatively strong: high blood pressure (81.5%), smoking (84.8%), obesity (79.5%) and physical inactivity (82.5%) were correctly identified. However, nuanced gaps persisted, with only 66.5% recognizing asymptomatic CVD progression and 35% incorrectly perceiving regular exercise as a risk factor. Overall, 32.0% demonstrated "Very Good" knowledge, 42.5% "Good," 18.8% "Fair," and 6.8% "Poor" knowledge levels, indicating that nearly one-quarter of the population remains inadequately informed and at heightened risk. Conclusion: While foundational awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors among middle-aged adults in Solan is promising, significant gaps in nuanced understanding, risk perception and preventive behavior adoption persist. Targeted, culturally sensitive health education campaigns, greater emphasis on asymptomatic disease progression, expanded access to preventive services and empowerment of local healthcare providers are urgently needed to bridge these gaps. 

Background: Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) represent a major global public health issue, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries like India. This article explores the epidemiology, burden, risk factors and preventive strategies for RTAs from global and Indian perspectives. Methods: A narrative review was conducted utilizing data from WHO, NCRB and peer-reviewed journal articles. Results: Globally, RTAs account for approximately 1.35 million deaths annually, with India contributing significantly. Vulnerable groups include young adults, pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. Major risk factors are speeding, alcohol use, non-use of safety equipment and poor infrastructure. Conclusion: Integrated, multisectoral interventions are urgently needed to reduce the RTA burden. Effective law enforcement, public health initiatives and infrastructural improvements can mitigate the devastating impacts of road traffic injuries.

Background: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is a common yet underrecognized gynecological disorder affecting the physical, emotional and social well-being of women of reproductive age. In India, cultural taboos, menstrual stigma and widespread myths further contribute to delays in seeking appropriate care. This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness, prevailing misconceptions and healthcare-seeking behaviors regarding AUB among women of reproductive age in Delhi. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 women aged 18-45 years residing in Delhi. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling technique through various online platforms. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire comprising sections on socio-demographics, menstrual and medical history, knowledge and awareness assessment and myth identification. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with descriptive statistics summarizing findings. Results: Among 400 respondents, the majority were aged 26-35 years (41.8%) and had at least a secondary school education (70.1%). Overall, 42.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge (60%-79% correct responses) and 32.8% showed very good knowledge (≥80%). High awareness was observed regarding the definition of AUB (82.3%), the need for gynecological consultation (85.8%) and the association between AUB and anemia (79.5%). However, knowledge gaps persisted, with only 63.3% recognizing AUB as a potential sign of endometrial cancer and 66.5% understanding its impact on fertility. Nearly 25.1% of respondents fell into fair or poor knowledge categories, highlighting critical areas for educational intervention. Conclusion: While the general level of awareness regarding AUB among women in Delhi was satisfactory, significant misconceptions and gaps remain, particularly regarding serious complications and risk factors. Culturally sensitive educational initiatives, community outreach programs and digital health campaigns are essential to enhance menstrual health literacy, promote timely healthcare-seeking behavior and reduce the burden of untreated gynecological disorders.

Background: Cervical cancer, though preventable through early detection and vaccination, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among women, particularly in low- and middle-income regions like Himachal Pradesh. Limited awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), socio-cultural barriers, and inadequate access to screening services contribute to late diagnoses and poor outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of cervical cancer, knowledge regarding HPV and Pap smear screening, and barriers to screening among women in Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among women aged 18–50 years in Himachal Pradesh. Participants completed a structured bilingual questionnaire assessing socio-demographic factors, cervical cancer knowledge, Pap smear awareness, and perceived barriers. Data from 420 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS version 26. Knowledge scores were categorized into "Very Good," "Good," "Fair," and "Poor" levels based on the percentage of correct responses. Results: The majority of participants were aged between 26–35 years (37.9%) and married (56.9%), with most having regular access to healthcare (69.5%). While 77.4% correctly identified HPV as the primary cause of cervical cancer and 81.4% recognized the role of screening in prevention, knowledge gaps persisted regarding HPV vaccination (68.3%), the asymptomatic nature of early cervical cancer (64.3%), and recommended Pap smear frequency (59.8%). Embarrassment emerged as a significant screening barrier for 81.9% of participants. Overall, 28.3% demonstrated "Very Good" knowledge, 45.5% "Good," 20.0% "Fair," and 6.2% "Poor" awareness levels. Conclusion: Despite encouraging awareness trends, critical gaps and socio-cultural barriers persist in cervical cancer prevention among women in Himachal Pradesh. Targeted educational interventions, community-based outreach programs, and initiatives to normalize gynecological screening are urgently needed to improve participation in preventive care and reduce the cervical cancer burden.

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya continue to pose a significant public health burden in India. Effective prevention hinges not only on vector control programs but also on community awareness and behavior. This study assesses the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding mosquito-borne diseases among residents of Himachal Pradesh, a geographically diverse and climatically sensitive state. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 440 adult residents across rural and urban districts in Himachal Pradesh. A bilingual questionnaire captured socio-demographic data and evaluated awareness through 20 multiple-choice questions covering symptoms, vectors, transmission and prevention. Scoring was categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%) and Poor (<40%). Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Results: Participants were predominantly female (53.2%), with 35.9% holding undergraduate degrees. While 30.2% of respondents demonstrated "Very Good" knowledge, nearly half (48.2%) scored in the "Good" category. However, 16.1% exhibited only “Fair” understanding and 5.5% fell into the “Poor” category. Awareness was high for vector species, breeding sites and basic prevention, but misconceptions persisted around disease symptoms, fogging exposure and use of repellents. Conclusion: The study reveals encouraging levels of general awareness, but also underscores the need for more comprehensive, community-tailored education to close knowledge gaps and dispel enduring myths. Targeted outreach, especially in underserved rural areas, is essential for strengthening public preparedness and reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases.

Background: Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are prevalent endocrine issues that disproportionately affect women in their reproductive years. Inadequate awareness of thyroid health can lead to undiagnosed conditions with consequences for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. This study aimed to assess public knowledge of thyroid disorders and their reproductive implications among women in Shimla district. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 410 women aged 15 and above residing in Shimla. A bilingual, pre-validated questionnaire assessed demographics, awareness of thyroid function and symptoms, reproductive health impacts, and health-seeking behaviors. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests via SPSS version 26.0. Results: The majority of participants (43.4%) were aged 25–34, and 68.3% were married. Only 12.7% scored in the 'Very Good' knowledge category, while 19.0% had poor awareness. Although most participants correctly identified common symptoms of thyroid disorders and knew about TSH screening and iodine's role, awareness about preconception screening, postpartum thyroiditis, and reproductive risks such as miscarriage and infertility was suboptimal. Conclusion: Despite moderate baseline awareness, knowledge gaps regarding the reproductive implications of thyroid disorders remain prominent among women in Shimla. Culturally appropriate health education interventions—especially during adolescence, preconception, and antenatal care—are needed to ensure early detection, proper management, and improved reproductive outcomes.

Background: Breastfeeding is universally acknowledged as essential for infant nutrition and maternal health, with the World Health Organization recommending exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Despite these guidelines, breastfeeding practices in India, including District Una, Himachal Pradesh, are hindered by cultural, social, and systemic barriers. This study aims to explore the myths, challenges, and potential community-driven solutions to improve breastfeeding practices in Una.Materials and Methods:This qualitative study employed in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with healthcare professionals and community health workers to capture diverse perspectives on breastfeeding practices in District Una. A purposive sample of five doctors, five staff nurses, and five community health workers participated in IDIs, while five FGDs were conducted with multidisciplinary groups of healthcare professionals. Data were analyzed thematically, focusing on myths, challenges, and solutions, with measures such as member checking and triangulation ensuring credibility and reliability.Results:The findings reveal that cultural norms and familial beliefs, such as the rejection of colostrum and prelacteal feeding practices, significantly hinder breastfeeding initiation. Knowledge gaps, including misconceptions about breast milk sufficiency and formula milk superiority, reinforce these barriers. Practical challenges, such as pain during breastfeeding, improper latching, and a lack of structural support for working mothers, further discourage optimal practices. Solutions identified include targeted antenatal and postnatal education, training of grassroots healthcare workers, public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of breastfeeding support groups. Community engagement, particularly involving fathers and elder family members, emerged as critical for sustaining improvements.Conclusion:Addressing breastfeeding barriers in Una requires a multi-faceted approach integrating education, community engagement, and structural support. Targeted interventions that dispel myths, bridge knowledge gaps, and address practical challenges can foster an enabling environment for breastfeeding. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers to promote breastfeeding as a fundamental health priority.