Blood clotting disorders, also known as coagulopathies, represent a significant public health concern globally due to their potential to cause severe and life-threatening conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. These disorders involve abnormalities in the blood's ability to coagulate, leading either to excessive bleeding or inappropriate clot formation. The understanding and awareness of blood clotting disorders are crucial for early diagnosis, effective management, and prevention of complications. Despite their importance, there is a considerable gap in public knowledge regarding these conditions, particularly in developing regions.^1-6

In India, the prevalence of blood clotting disorders and related complications is on the rise, yet public awareness and understanding remain limited. District Ambala, located in the northern state of Haryana, serves as a representative backdrop to study the awareness levels of such health issues. Ambala, with its diverse population and varying socio-economic backgrounds, offers an ideal setting for assessing public knowledge and perceptions about blood clotting disorders. This region's demographic diversity provides valuable insights into how awareness and understanding may vary across different segments of the population.

Public awareness about health issues plays a pivotal role in the prevention and management of diseases. Adequate knowledge can empower individuals to recognize symptoms early, seek timely medical advice, and adhere to prescribed treatment regimens. In the case of blood clotting disorders, awareness can significantly reduce the incidence of severe complications by promoting preventive measures and encouraging prompt medical intervention.

This study aims to fill the knowledge gap by assessing the awareness and understanding of blood clotting disorders among the adult population of District Ambala, Haryana. The primary objectives are to evaluate the level of knowledge about blood clotting disorders, identify socio-demographic factors influencing awareness, and provide a foundation for developing targeted educational interventions. By understanding the current knowledge levels and the factors that influence them, this research seeks to inform public health strategies that can mitigate the risks associated with blood clotting disorders and improve overall health outcomes in the community.

The findings from this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the awareness and educational needs regarding blood clotting disorders. These insights can pave the way for enhanced public health initiatives and better management of these conditions. By identifying gaps in knowledge and understanding, the study aims to contribute to the development of targeted interventions that can raise awareness, educate the public, and ultimately reduce the burden of blood clotting disorders in District Ambala, Haryana.

Objectives of the Study:

The primary objective is to gauge awareness and knowledge about Blood Clotting Disorders among general public of District Amabala , Haryana. 

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• Research Approach -Descriptive

• Research Design-  Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: District Amabala , Haryana

• Study duration- between January  2024 to May 2024

• Study population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Amabala , Haryana for a minimum of 12 months

• Sample size- A robust sample size of 400 adults was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated knowledge level of 50% regarding Blood Clotting Disorders, a precise 5% absolute error margin, and a conservative 5% non-response rate. 

• Study tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and knowledge regarding Blood Clotting Disorders was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of participants to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents. 

• Description of Tool- 

1. Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more.

2. Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Blood Clotting Disorders. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80%(16-20)=very good,60-79%(12-15) =Good,41-59% ( 8-11)=Fair,<40% (< 8)=poor

• Validity of tool - by the experts in this field

• Data collection- Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated among the residents of District Amabala , Haryana for responses using online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin till the 400 responses were collected. 

• Data analysis- Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage. 

• Ethical Considerations- Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained. 

RESULTS

The study collected data from 400 participants residing in District Amabala, Haryana, providing a comprehensive overview of their socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge levels regarding blood clotting disorders. The age distribution of the participants was fairly even, with 24.3% aged 18-27 years, 27.5% aged 28-37 years, 23.3% aged 38-47 years, and 25% aged 48 and above. Gender representation was slightly skewed, with males constituting 56% and females 44% of the sample. The marital status of the respondents indicated that 39.8% were single, 53.3% were married, and 7% fell into other categories. In terms of religion, the majority were Hindu (70.5%), followed by Muslims (10.5%), Sikhs (12.5%), and others (6.5%). Employment status showed that 52.8% were employed, 22.8% were unemployed, and 24.5% were students. Educational attainment varied, with 12% having education below high school, 29.8% completing high school, 45.5% being graduates, and 12.8% having postgraduate or higher qualifications. These diverse socio-demographic variables provided a rich context for analyzing the awareness and understanding of blood clotting disorders.

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Variables of the Study Population (N=400)

The study's questionnaire assessed the knowledge of blood clotting disorders among the participants through 20 structured questions. Results showed varied levels of awareness across different aspects of the disorder. The highest awareness was regarding the definition of blood clotting disorders (70.8%), their complications (68.8%), and the possibility of a cure (69%). Knowledge about symptoms (61.3%), available treatments (56.5%), and preventive measures (54.5%) was moderate. Participants showed lower awareness levels regarding the diagnosis (54.5%), risk factors (45.5%), and inheritance (48.3%) of blood clotting disorders. The least awareness was observed in areas such as the types of blood clotting disorders (41.8%), their impact on daily life (40%), and recent advancements in treatment (41.3%). These findings highlight significant gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed through targeted educational interventions.

Table 2: Knowledge Regarding Blood Clotting Disorders (N=400)

The overall knowledge scores were categorized into four levels: Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Results showed that 23% of participants had a Very Good knowledge level (scores 16-20), 27.3% had Good knowledge (scores 12-15), 30.3% had Fair knowledge (scores 8-11), and 19.5% had Poor knowledge (scores less than 8). This distribution indicates that while a substantial proportion of the population has a fair understanding of blood clotting disorders, there remains a significant portion with limited knowledge. This underscores the necessity for enhanced public health education to improve awareness and understanding of these critical health issues.

Table 3: Overall Knowledge Score Categories

The univariate analysis examined the relationship between socio-demographic variables and knowledge levels about blood clotting disorders. Age showed a significant association with knowledge levels, with younger age groups (18-37 years) demonstrating higher knowledge scores compared to older age groups (38 years and above), indicating a p-value of 0.039. Gender differences were also significant (p=0.028), with males generally showing better knowledge than females. Marital status revealed that married individuals had higher knowledge levels than single or other categories (p=0.032). Religion played a role, with Hindus having the highest knowledge levels compared to other religions (p=0.006). Employment status showed a significant association (p=0.001), with employed individuals having better knowledge than unemployed or students. Education was another significant factor (p=0.047), where higher educational attainment correlated with better knowledge scores. These findings suggest that socio-demographic factors significantly influence the awareness and understanding of blood clotting disorders, which can inform targeted educational strategies to address these disparities.

Table 4: Univariate Analysis of Socio-Demographic Variables and Knowledge Level

DISCUSSION

The present study provides a comprehensive assessment of the public awareness and understanding of blood clotting disorders among adults in District Ambala, Haryana. The findings reveal a multifaceted picture of knowledge levels and highlight significant socio-demographic influences on awareness. These insights are crucial for developing targeted educational interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and improve health outcomes.

The socio-demographic data indicate a well-balanced sample in terms of age and gender, with slight predominance of males (56%) over females (44%). The age distribution shows a relatively even spread across all age groups, ensuring diverse representation. The majority of participants were married (53.3%) and Hindu (70.5%), reflecting the region's demographic composition. Employment and education data revealed that most respondents were employed (52.8%) and had at least a high school education, with a significant portion being graduates (45.5%). This diversity in socio-demographic characteristics provides a rich context for understanding how these variables impact knowledge levels regarding blood clotting disorders.

The study's findings on knowledge levels reveal varied awareness across different aspects of blood clotting disorders. High awareness was observed regarding the definition of blood clotting disorders (70.8%), complications (68.8%), and the possibility of a cure (69%). However, awareness about symptoms (61.3%), available treatments (56.5%), and preventive measures (54.5%) was moderate, indicating areas where public knowledge could be improved. Notably, there were significant gaps in awareness regarding the diagnosis (54.5%), risk factors (45.5%), inheritance (48.3%), types of disorders (41.8%), and impact on daily life (40%). These gaps highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance understanding of these critical areas.

The overall knowledge scores categorized participants into Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor knowledge levels. Approximately 23% of respondents demonstrated Very Good knowledge, while 27.3% had Good knowledge. A significant portion (30.3%) had Fair knowledge, and 19.5% had Poor knowledge. This distribution underscores the presence of a substantial proportion of the population with limited understanding of blood clotting disorders. These findings suggest an urgent need for public health education campaigns to raise awareness and improve knowledge, particularly among those with Fair and Poor scores.

The univariate analysis reveals significant associations between socio-demographic variables and knowledge levels. Younger age groups (18-37 years) exhibited higher knowledge scores compared to older age groups (38 years and above), suggesting that younger individuals might have better access to information or greater engagement with health education initiatives. Gender differences were also notable, with males generally displaying better knowledge than females, indicating a potential area for gender-specific educational strategies. Marital status showed that married individuals had higher knowledge levels, possibly due to increased health-related responsibilities and concerns within families. Religious affiliation was another significant factor, with Hindus having higher knowledge levels compared to other religious groups. Employment status also played a crucial role, with employed individuals showing better knowledge, which may be attributed to workplace health programs or better access to information. Education level significantly influenced knowledge, with higher educational attainment correlating with better understanding of blood clotting disorders.

Implications for Public Health Interventions

The study's findings highlight the critical need for targeted public health interventions to address the identified knowledge gaps. Educational campaigns should focus on improving awareness about the diagnosis, risk factors, inheritance, and daily impact of blood clotting disorders. Given the significant associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge levels, interventions should be tailored to specific groups. For instance, gender-specific programs could help bridge the knowledge gap between males and females, while age-appropriate educational materials could better engage older populations. Additionally, leveraging workplaces and educational institutions to disseminate information could enhance awareness among employed individuals and students.^7-12

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity for enhanced public awareness and education regarding blood clotting disorders in District Ambala, Haryana. By identifying significant knowledge gaps and understanding the socio-demographic factors influencing awareness, this research provides a foundation for developing targeted interventions. Such efforts are essential to empower individuals with the knowledge needed for early diagnosis, effective management, and prevention of complications associated with blood clotting disorders. Ultimately, improving public understanding can lead to better health outcomes and reduce the burden of these disorders on the community.

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