srjcmsSRJCMSSRJCMS2788-8851https://doi.org/10.47310/srjcms.2024.v0i402.008Joint Pains and Everyday Life: Assessing Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Among the People of KangraSidhantKorlaAkshitPuriPraveenKumarThakurMS Orthopaedics, MO Specialist Orthopaedics at Civil Hospital Palampur, District Kangra, HP IndiaBackground: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and disability. Despite its global prevalence, awareness and understanding of RA, particularly in rural areas like District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, remain limited. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of RA among the general population in this region to inform public health strategies for better management and prevention of the disease. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2024 and May 2024 among 400 adults aged 18 and above in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. A structured questionnaire was disseminated via online platforms to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of RA symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. The questionnaire was validated by experts and pre-tested for clarity. Data were analyzed using Epi Info V7 software, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study revealed that 78.5% of participants had heard of RA, with 72.0% recognizing joint pain as a symptom. However, knowledge of other symptoms, such as joint stiffness (69.0%) and decreased mobility (64.8%), was lower. Awareness of RA as an autoimmune condition was moderate (61.8%), with fewer participants understanding risk factors like genetics (59.5%) and smoking (57.5%). Knowledge of prevention strategies, such as a healthy diet (53.8%) and regular exercise (52.0%), was limited, and awareness of treatment options, including medications (47.8%) and physical therapy (45.8%), was inadequate. Overall, 25.5% of participants demonstrated very good knowledge, while 18.0% fell into the poor knowledge category. Conclusion: This study highlights significant gaps in the knowledge of RA among the residents of District Kangra. While there is a basic awareness of the disease, understanding of its causes, prevention, and management is lacking. Targeted educational interventions and improved healthcare communication are essential to enhance early diagnosis, promote preventive measures, and improve the management of RA. Comprehensive public health strategies are needed to bridge these knowledge gaps and reduce the burden of RA on individuals and the healthcare system.