Recurrent Sore Throat (RST) is a common affliction that impacts millions of individuals worldwide, posing both a significant public health concern and a personal challenge to those affected. Characterized by the recurring inflammation of the pharyngeal tissues, RST is often associated with discomfort, pain, and irritation in the throat, leading to difficulties in swallowing, speaking, and overall quality of life. Despite its prevalence and the potential underlying health implications, RST remains a relatively underexplored area of research, particularly in specific regional contexts such as District Moga, Punjab [1-3].

Within the diverse tapestry of healthcare challenges faced by communities, RST stands as a subtle yet pervasive issue that can disrupt daily routines, prompt repeated medical consultations, and erode the overall well-being of individuals. Furthermore, it serves as a crucial diagnostic indicator, as recurrent episodes of sore throat may be symptomatic of various underlying conditions, including viral or bacterial infections, allergies, environmental factors, or more serious health concerns [3-6].

Understanding the dynamics of RST in District Moga is paramount for a holistic assessment of the health landscape in this region. This research endeavors to bridge the existing knowledge gap by embarking on a comprehensive exploration of RST within the local context, aiming to uncover its prevalence, its impact on individuals' lives, and the collective awareness regarding this condition among the general population [7-8].

Recurrent Sore Throat is not merely a localized inconvenience but a global concern. High instances of RST contribute to an increased burden on healthcare facilities, impacting resource allocation and patient care. An in-depth understanding of RST can aid in developing effective management and prevention strategies, thereby alleviating this burden. Individuals enduring recurrent episodes of sore throat often report diminished quality of life due to pain and discomfort. Unraveling the extent of this issue can inform interventions aimed at enhancing the well-being and productivity of District Moga's residents. RST is frequently a symptom of underlying health conditions such as tonsillitis, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Detecting and addressing these conditions early is essential for timely and appropriate medical intervention [9-14].

Despite the potential ramifications of RST, there exists a considerable dearth of research on the awareness and knowledge levels concerning this condition within the unique context of District Moga, Punjab. Existing studies often focus on urban areas or specific age groups, making it imperative to investigate the understanding of RST among the broader population of this district.

Objectives of the Research

This research's primary objectives are to assess the prevalence of RST in District Moga, investigate the general population's comprehension of its causes, symptoms, and potential consequences, identify common practices and remedies adopted in response to RST, and evaluate the willingness of residents to seek medical advice or treatment for this condition. As we embark on this journey to uncover the enigma of RST in this region, we hope that our findings may shed light on an often-overlooked health concern, ultimately fostering a healthier and more informed community in District Moga, Punjab.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study Area: District Moga, Punjab

• Study Duration: between March 2023 to May 2023

• Study Population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Moga, Punjab 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 Recurrent Sore Throat, 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 Recurrent Sore Throat 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 on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Recurrent Sore Throat. 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 Moga, Punjab 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.

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of Recurrent Sore Throat among the general population of District Moga, Punjab. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 281 (70.25%) residing in urban areas and 119 (29.75%) in rural areas (Table 1).

In the present study 30.25% (121) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Recurrent Sore Throat, 39% (156) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 19% (76) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 11.75% (47) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).

The findings of this study shed light on the knowledge and awareness levels regarding Recurrent Sore Throat (RST) among the general population of District Moga, Punjab. RST is a common and often underestimated health concern that can significantly impact individuals' quality of life and may be indicative of underlying medical conditions. The discussion below explores the results in the context of existing literature, highlighting the significance of these findings.

In this study, it is evident that there exists a varying degree of knowledge regarding RST among the participants. Approximately 30.25% of respondents demonstrated "very good" knowledge, while 39% exhibited "good" knowledge about RST. However, a substantial portion of the population, 19% and 11.75%, had only "fair" and "poor" knowledge, respectively.

These findings reflect a diverse range of awareness levels within District Moga, emphasizing the need for targeted educational campaigns to enhance public understanding of RST. This observation aligns with previous research, which has often highlighted gaps in public awareness regarding various health issues, including sore throat-related conditions. Effective communication strategies and community-based initiatives can play a pivotal role in bridging these knowledge gaps [8-10].

To address these disparities, public health interventions should consider the unique needs and challenges of rural communities. Initiatives like mobile health clinics, community health workers, and telehealth services can facilitate the dissemination of essential health information to remote areas [11-12].

A noteworthy finding is that a significant portion of participants recognized the role of lifestyle habits and preventive practices in the context of RST. Over 53% acknowledged that lifestyle habits could contribute to RST, and 58.5% recognized the potential of dietary changes and specific foods in preventing RST. These results are encouraging, as they suggest that a substantial portion of the population is receptive to adopting healthier behaviors to reduce the risk of RST [12-13].

Approximately 50.25% of participants recognized the importance of seeking medical attention for RST, indicating an understanding of its potential seriousness. This suggests that a considerable portion of the population is aware of the necessity of timely medical intervention for recurrent sore throat [9,12].

When comparing these findings with existing literature, it is evident that the awareness and knowledge levels regarding RST in District Moga, Punjab, are in line with, and in some cases, surpass those reported in other regions. For instance, a study conducted in a different region of India reported a lower overall awareness of RST and its associated risk factors. This suggests that District Moga may have a relatively higher level of health awareness and education, which is a positive factor for public health initiatives [10-14].

Limitations

It's important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The cross-sectional nature of the research limits the ability to establish causal relationships or assess changes in knowledge over time. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias.

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Recurrent Sore Throat among Study Participants

Table 2: Knowledge Scores Towards Recurrent Sore Throat among Study Participants

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the awareness and knowledge levels regarding Recurrent Sore Throat in District Moga, Punjab. While a significant portion of the population exhibited good knowledge, disparities exist between urban and rural areas. These findings underscore the importance of targeted health education campaigns and interventions that consider regional disparities to enhance public understanding of RST and promote preventive practices. Moreover, the relatively higher awareness levels in District Moga, as compared to some other regions, offer a promising foundation for public health initiatives aimed at addressing recurrent sore throat and related health concerns.

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