Cervical spondylitis, a degenerative condition of the cervical spine, is a prevalent health concern globally, with increasing incidence due to sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and prolonged screen time. Characterized by neck pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms such as numbness or radiating pain, cervical spondylitis can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Early recognition and management are crucial in preventing complications such as spinal cord compression and chronic disability. Public awareness of the condition, its risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options is essential to mitigate its impact and promote early intervention [1-5].              

Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, presents an intriguing context for evaluating public knowledge of cervical spondylitis. As an urban hub with a diverse demographic and an increasingly modern lifestyle, the city is not immune to the health challenges posed by this condition. However, public awareness regarding cervical spondylitis, its causes, symptoms, and preventive strategies, remains understudied, leaving a significant gap in understanding and addressing the community’s educational needs [6-8].

Existing literature underscores the importance of public health education in addressing musculoskeletal disorders like cervical spondylitis. Improved knowledge among the general public can lead to earlier medical consultation, better adherence to ergonomic practices, and proactive lifestyle modifications, reducing the overall disease burden [9-12]. Despite the condition's rising prevalence, there is limited data on the awareness levels of cervical spondylitis in urban Indian populations, particularly in Gandhinagar.

This study aims to assess the knowledge of cervical spondylitis among the general public of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. By identifying knowledge gaps and misconceptions, the research seeks to inform targeted educational interventions that empower individuals to take preventive measures and seek timely medical advice. Such efforts can play a pivotal role in promoting musculoskeletal health and reducing the social and economic burden of cervical spondylitis in urban communities.

Research Design

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of cervical spondylitis among the general public in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This design was chosen to systematically assess the population's understanding of the condition, its risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures.

Study Area

The study was carried out in Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, known for its diverse population and modern urban lifestyle. The city’s unique demographic and lifestyle factors provided an ideal setting to investigate awareness of cervical spondylitis in an urban context.

Study Duration

The study was conducted over a three-month period, from August to October 2024, ensuring adequate time for participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis.

Study Population

The target population included adults aged 18 years and above who were residents of Gandhinagar for at least one year. This inclusion criterion ensured participants had sufficient exposure to local healthcare practices and lifestyle patterns. Both men and women were included to achieve a comprehensive understanding of public knowledge.

Sample Size

A sample size of 400 participants was calculated using a 95% confidence level, an estimated 50% awareness level of cervical spondylitis, and a 5% margin of error. An additional 5% was added to account for non-responses, ensuring robust data collection.

Sampling Method

A stratified random sampling method was employed to ensure diverse representation across age groups, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. Participants were recruited from public places, healthcare centers, and community events within Gandhinagar.

Study Tool

A structured, pre-validated questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was divided into two sections:

• Socio-Demographic Information: This section collected data on participants’ age, gender, education level, occupation, income, and healthcare access

• Knowledge Assessment: This section comprised 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions covering:

• Understanding of cervical spondylitis symptoms, such as neck pain and stiffness

• Awareness of risk factors, including poor posture, prolonged screen time, and sedentary lifestyle

• Knowledge of preventive measures like ergonomic practices, regular exercise, and timely medical consultation

• Familiarity with treatment options, such as physiotherapy, medications, and surgical interventions

Each correct response was awarded one point, with knowledge levels categorized as:

• Very Good: >80% correct responses

• Good: 60–79% correct responses

• Fair: 41–59% correct responses

• Poor: <40% correct responses

Data Collection

Data were collected through a combination of in-person and online surveys to maximize participation. In-person surveys were conducted at public spaces such as parks, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities, while online surveys were distributed via social media platforms and messaging apps to reach tech-savvy participants.

Data Analysis

Data were entered into Microsoft Excel, cleaned, and analyzed using Epi Info V7 software. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated to determine knowledge levels. Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and knowledge levels.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board. Participants provided informed consent before taking part in the study, and their confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the research process. Respondents were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time, ensuring adherence to ethical research standards.

Table 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the socio-demographic profile of the 400 study participants from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The gender distribution was slightly skewed towards females (51%) compared to males (49%), ensuring balanced representation. The predominant age group was 26–35 years (33%), followed by 36–45 years (26%), reflecting an adult population likely engaged in sedentary work and lifestyle, which are significant risk factors for cervical spondylitis. Educational attainment showed diversity, with 30% completing secondary school and 28% holding undergraduate degrees, while 10% had postgraduate qualifications. A considerable segment, 10%, lacked formal education, highlighting potential disparities in health literacy. The majority were engaged in service-related occupations (35%) and agriculture or labor (24%), with homemakers constituting 20% of the cohort. Urban residents comprised 38%, while rural residents were a significant majority at 62%, indicating a broad geographic representation. Monthly household income distribution revealed that 41% of participants earned between INR 10,001–20,000, suggesting economic challenges that might affect healthcare access and ergonomic investments.

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Study Participants

Table 2 delves into the awareness and knowledge levels   of    participants    concerning   cervical  spondylitis,  showcasing  a  mix  of  strengths  and gaps. Encouragingly, 78% of respondents correctly identified cervical spondylitis as a degenerative neck condition, and 82% recognized poor posture as a critical risk factor. Awareness of the role of prolonged screen time (78%) and ergonomic practices (72%) was also high, reflecting the population’s understanding of modern lifestyle risks. However, fewer participants (65%) associated obesity with the condition, and only 64% understood the potential for lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms. Knowledge about the necessity of timely medical consultation (79.5%) and the role of physiotherapy in management (76%) was promising. A strong majority (81%) emphasized the importance of awareness programs, while 80% agreed that such programs should target all age groups. Despite these strengths, areas like ergonomic education and understanding of sedentary job risks need more focus, as indicated by moderate awareness levels (67–73%) in these domains.

Table 3 categorizes participants’ knowledge levels about cervical spondylitis into four distinct groups. A notable 27% of respondents demonstrated very good knowledge with scores ranging from 16–20, while the majority (38%) fell into the good category (12–15), reflecting a foundational understanding. However, 27% of participants had only fair knowledge (scores 8–11), and 8% exhibited poor knowledge with scores below 8, indicating a lack of awareness and understanding. This distribution highlights the dual challenge of enhancing general knowledge while addressing significant gaps in technical awareness and preventive practices. The data underscores the need for targeted education campaigns focusing on those with lower knowledge scores to elevate community awareness and reduce the risk of cervical spondylitis.

The findings of this study provide critical insights into the awareness and knowledge of cervical spondylitis among the general public in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, highlighting both the strengths and gaps in understanding this increasingly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. As cervical spondylitis is closely associated with modern lifestyles, sedentary work environments, and ergonomic negligence, the study underscores the pressing need for public health interventions to address knowledge gaps and foster preventive measures.

The socio-demographic data revealed a diverse participant pool, with a balanced gender distribution and a significant representation of the 26–35 years (33%) and 36–45 years (26%) age groups, who are at higher risk due to occupational and lifestyle factors. The educational distribution highlights a promising 28% with undergraduate degrees, yet the 10% without formal education underscores a vulnerable segment that may lack access to health-related information. Rural residents constituted 62% of the cohort, reflecting the region’s demographic characteristics and the need for outreach programs tailored to these populations. The dominance of service-oriented  occupations  (35%)  aligns   with   a  high risk of cervical spondylitis due to prolonged desk jobs  and screen exposure. The income distribution, with 41% earning between INR 10,001–20,000, suggests economic constraints that may impede access to ergonomic tools or timely medical care.

Table 2: Awareness and Knowledge Assessment of Cervical Spondylitis

Table 3: Knowledge Score Classification

The knowledge assessment demonstrated a mixed understanding of cervical spondylitis among participants. Encouragingly, a majority (78–82%) were aware of major risk factors such as poor posture and prolonged screen time, reflecting the impact of growing public discourse around occupational health. Awareness of management strategies, such as physiotherapy (76%) and timely consultation (79.5%), was also commendable. However, gaps were evident in areas like understanding the role of obesity (65%) and ergonomic practices (72%), pointing to the need for targeted education. Similarly, awareness of lifestyle modifications (64%) to manage or prevent the condition was lower, suggesting limited exposure to holistic health strategies. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing prevention alongside management to reduce the overall burden of cervical spondylitis.

The knowledge score distribution further underscores the disparity in awareness levels within the community. While 27% demonstrated very good knowledge, a substantial 27% had only fair knowledge, and 8% exhibited poor understanding. This variability suggests that while a segment of the population possesses foundational awareness, there remains a significant portion that is under-informed or misinformed about cervical spondylitis. Addressing this gap requires comprehensive educational interventions that are accessible to all socio-economic and educational strata.

Implications for Public Health

The findings emphasize the urgent need for community-centered health campaigns focusing on cervical spondylitis prevention and management. Educational efforts should leverage mass media, social media platforms, and workplace wellness programs to disseminate information on ergonomic practices, lifestyle modifications, and the importance of regular physical activity. Special attention must be given to rural populations and those with limited formal education, ensuring that messages are culturally appropriate and easily comprehensible [11-13].

Furthermore, workplace interventions, such as ergonomic assessments and awareness workshops, could significantly mitigate risk among service-oriented and sedentary workers. Engaging healthcare providers in regular community-based screening and education programs can help reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Collaboration with local government and non-governmental organizations to subsidize ergonomic tools and physiotherapy services can address economic barriers [14,15].

Limitations and Future Research

While the study provides valuable insights, it is not without limitations. The reliance on self-reported data may introduce response bias, and the exclusion of participants without access to the survey tools may limit the representativeness of the findings. Future research should include longitudinal studies to evaluate the impact of targeted educational interventions on knowledge levels and the prevalence of cervical spondylitis. Additionally, exploring the effectiveness of technology-driven solutions, such as mobile health apps for posture correction and exercise reminders, could be beneficial.

In conclusion, this study highlights the public awareness of cervical spondylitis among the residents of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, while identifying significant gaps in knowledge, particularly in preventive measures and ergonomic practices. While many participants recognize key risk factors such as poor posture and prolonged screen time, there is a pressing need for targeted educational interventions to address misconceptions and improve understanding of lifestyle modifications and proper ergonomics. By implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns, workplace wellness initiatives, and community-based education, it is possible to reduce the burden of cervical spondylitis, improve quality of life, and minimize healthcare costs in the region.

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