Acute cholecystitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the gallbladder, often resulting from the blockage of the cystic duct by gallstones. This ailment can lead to severe complications, including infection, gallbladder rupture and even life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention are crucial for managing acute cholecystitis effectively. While medical professionals are well-versed in the nuances of this condition, the level of awareness and knowledge among the general public in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, remains a subject of significant concern [1-3].

The understanding of health-related issues among the populace is a cornerstone of public health initiatives, as it directly impacts healthcare-seeking behavior and preventive measures. In India, where healthcare resources are often stretched thin, public awareness can play a pivotal role in the early detection and management of diseases such as acute cholecystitis. Kolhapur, a vibrant city in Maharashtra known for its rich cultural heritage and rapid urbanization, serves as an intriguing setting for investigating the extent of public knowledge regarding this medical condition [4-6].

To address this concern, the present study aims to comprehensively assess the awareness levels and knowledge base of the general public in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, with regard to acute cholecystitis. This research is of paramount importance as it can provide a foundation for designing targeted educational programs and interventions aimed at increasing public awareness of acute cholecystitis. Such initiatives can ultimately lead to earlier diagnosis, improved healthcare-seeking behavior and better health outcomes for individuals in Kolhapur and potentially serve as a model for similar regions in India.               

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this research is to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding acute cholecystitis among the general population of Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: Kolhapur, Maharashtra

• Study duration: March 2023 to May 2023

• Study population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of Kolhapur, Maharashtra 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 acute cholecystitis, 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 acute cholecystitis 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: 

• Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information about participants' backgrounds, including age, marital status, religion, employment, education and more

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding acute cholecystitis. 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 were collected under the guidance of supervisors. The Google Form questionnaire was distributed to the residents of Kolhapur, Maharashtra and responses were gathered through online methods, including email and social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, until a total of 400 responses were obtained

• Data analysis: Data were collected and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software using appropriate statistical tests in terms of frequencies and percentages

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of acute cholecystitis among the general population of Kolhapur, Maharashtra through a non-experimental descriptive survey. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 241 (60.25%) being males and 159 (39.75%) being females (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Acute Cholecystitis Among Study Participants

In the present study 31% (124) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards acute cholecystitis, 34.5% (138) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 21.25% (85) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 13.25% (53) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).

Table 2: Knowledge Score Regarding Acute Cholecystitis Among Study Participants

This study's findings shed light on the public's knowledge and awareness of acute cholecystitis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Acute cholecystitis is a condition requiring timely diagnosis and medical intervention to prevent severe complications. Understanding public awareness is crucial for developing effective public health campaigns [7-9].

The findings from this study indicate that a substantial proportion of the participants had heard of acute cholecystitis 75.5%, suggesting a reasonable level of awareness in the community. This level of awareness aligns with some studies conducted in urban areas of India, such as the study by Sharma and Rehan et al. [2], which reported an awareness rate of 74%. However, studies in rural areas and other parts of the world often report lower awareness levels. For example, a community-based study on cholera in rural Bangladesh by Khan and Ahad et al. [3], found a considerably lower awareness rate of 48%.

While awareness is prevalent in this study, there are discrepancies in understanding. For instance, 25.75% of participants were unable to describe acute cholecystitis in their own words. This finding is consistent with the results of the study conducted by Strasberg et al1 in a different setting, which reported that many individuals lacked a clear understanding of the causes, symptoms and complications of acute cholecystitis.

In this study, less than half 44% of the respondents were aware of the common causes of acute cholecystitis. This is in line with findings from other studies. For example, a study conducted in Nigeria by Aji et al. [10], reported a similar lack of knowledge regarding the causes of acute cholecystitis among the general population.

The study also assessed awareness regarding symptoms, risk factors and complications. A majority of participants recognized the symptoms 74.75%, which is consistent with the findings of a study conducted in Saudi Arabia by Alsareii et al. [11], where 72% of participants were aware of the symptoms. However, a lower awareness rate was reported in a study conducted in Iran by Saeedi et al. [12], where only 38% of participants were aware of the symptoms.

Regarding preventive measures, 63.5% of participants were aware of lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of acute cholecystitis. This indicates a relatively high level of awareness in this context, similar to the findings of the study by Alsareii et al. [11], where 61% of participants were aware of preventive measures.

Limitations

It is important to acknowledge certain limitations of this study. First, the data collection method relied on online platforms, which may introduce a bias toward individuals with internet access. Second, the study's scope was limited to Kolhapur, Maharashtra and may not be generalizable to other regions in India. Finally, the study's cross-sectional design provides a snapshot of knowledge levels at a specific point in time.

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the level of knowledge and awareness of acute cholecystitis among the general public in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. While there is a baseline level of awareness, there are significant knowledge gaps that require attention. Public health initiatives, guided by these findings, can contribute to better healthcare-seeking behavior and improved health outcomes for individuals in the region.

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2. Sharma, D. and H.S. Rehan. “Acute calculous cholecystitis: Socio-demographic features and clinical practice.” Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology, vol. 20, no. 1, 2014, pp. 47–51. https://doi.org/10.4103/1319-3767.126316

3. Khan, M.A. and A. Ahad. “Knowledge, attitudes and practices about cholera: A community-based study in rural Bangladesh.” BMC Public Health, vol. 15, no. 1, 2015, pp. 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1522-3

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8. Mahawar, K. et al. “General and bariatric surgery in India: Current status and future directions.” Obesity Surgery, vol. 22, no. 6, 2012, pp. 956–959. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-012-0655-4

9. Thistle, J.L. and P.A. Cleary. “Management of gallstone pancreatitis.” Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 95, no. 3, 1981, pp. 228–235. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-95-3-228

10. Aji, S.A. and K.A. Rabiu. “Knowledge and attitude of patients with cholelithiasis toward cholecystectomy in northwestern Nigeria.” Nigerian Journal of Surgery, vol. 23, no. 2, 2017, pp. 97–101. https://doi.org/10.4103/njs.NJS_18_17

11. Alsareii, S.A. et al. “Awareness of gallstones disease among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.” Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, vol. 7, no. 1, 2017, pp. S1–S2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jceh.2017.05.002

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