srjmsSRJMSSRJMS2788-948310.47310/srjms.2025.v05i01.013Lifestyle at Altitude: Public Perception and Awareness of Non-Communicable Disease Risks in the Hilly Regions of Himachal PradeshBackground: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes and obesity, pose a growing health crisis in India, particularly in high-altitude rural regions like Himachal Pradesh, where lifestyle and environmental factors amplify risks. This study aimed to evaluate public perception and awareness of NCD risks, behaviors and screening practices, focusing on rural communities, to identify knowledge gaps and barriers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to March 2025, targeting adults aged 18–60 years in Himachal Pradesh. A bilingual (Hindi/English) questionnaire, hosted on Google Forms, assessed socio-demographic factors, knowledge of NCD risks, behaviors, screening practices and barriers. Using convenience sampling, 540 participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics v27.0, with knowledge scores categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%) and Poor (<40%). Results: Participants, primarily aged 18–35 years (73.2%) and female (55.0%), showed moderate awareness: 80.0% recognized early diabetes detection via screening, 83.5% identified lifestyle changes for hypertension prevention and 85.0% noted awareness as a screening barrier. Gaps existed in diabetes screening frequency (60.0%), asymptomatic obesity (63.7%) and family history risks (65.9%). Knowledge levels were Very Good (28.0%), Good (45.7%), Fair (20.2%) and Poor (6.1%). Limited healthcare access (31.9%) highlighted rural challenges. Conclusion: While NCD awareness is improving, knowledge gaps and access barriers persist in Himachal Pradesh. Targeted education, expanded screening and rural outreach are crucial to reducing NCD risks.