Public Awareness of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.: A Study on Knowledge Levels in Bilaspur
Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition affecting the prostate gland in aging men, leading to significant urinary symptoms that can impact quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, public awareness and understanding of BPH are limited, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas like District Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, India. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of BPH among the general public in Bilaspur to inform future public health interventions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to May 2024 in District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. The study population included 400 adults aged 18 and above, residing in the district for at least 12 months. Data were collected using a validated Google Form questionnaire, covering socio-demographic information and knowledge regarding BPH. The data were analyzed using Epi Info V7 software, with results presented in terms of frequencies and percentages. Results: The socio-demographic profile revealed a diverse sample with 31.0% of participants aged 18-30 years and nearly equal gender distribution (50.5% male, 49.5% female). Knowledge of BPH symptoms was relatively high, with 79.5% having heard of BPH and 74.8% identifying frequent urination as a symptom. Awareness of causes was moderate, with 62.0% recognizing aging as a risk factor. Knowledge of complications and treatment options showed significant gaps, with only 46.3% aware that certain medications can affect BPH symptoms and 43.0% knowing about lifestyle management. Conclusion: The study highlights substantial gaps in knowledge regarding the causes, complications, and treatment options for BPH among the general public in Bilaspur. Targeted educational interventions are essential to improve awareness and promote early diagnosis and treatment of BPH. Enhancing public health education can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by BPH