Hernia and Its Surgical Management: A Cross-Sectional Study on Awareness Among the General Public of Kangra
Background: Hernia is a prevalent condition characterized by the protrusion of an organ through a weakened area in the surrounding tissue or muscle wall. While surgical repair is the most effective treatment, public understanding of hernia—its symptoms, causes, and surgical options—remains limited, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of India. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge levels regarding hernia and its surgical management among the general public in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults from Kangra using a structured, pre-validated online questionnaire available in Hindi and English. The survey collected socio-demographic data and assessed knowledge through 20 multiple-choice questions focused on hernia symptoms, risk factors, complications, and surgical treatment options. Knowledge levels were classified into four categories: very good (≥80%), good (60–79%), fair (41–59%), and poor (<40%). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses. Results: Among the 400 respondents, 51.5% were male and 48.5% female, with the majority aged between 26–45 years. While 40.5% demonstrated very good knowledge and 41.0% had good knowledge, 14.0% showed fair awareness and 4.5% fell into the poor category. Most participants (≥75%) correctly identified common symptoms, causes, and basic surgical procedures. However, knowledge gaps were evident regarding hernia recurrence (68.0%), risk of bowel obstruction (69.0%), and the long-term benefits of laparoscopic repair (76.0%). Conclusion: The findings highlight a generally favorable awareness of hernia in the Kangra population, though misconceptions persist regarding complications and surgical outcomes. There is a need for targeted, community-based educational programs to bridge these gaps, particularly among rural and less educated individuals. Raising awareness through both digital platforms and grassroots initiatives can improve timely diagnosis and enhance health outcomes related to hernia management.