Awareness of Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Diseases in Punjab: A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Risk Factors, and Socio-Demographic Determinants

Background: Respiratory diseases are among the leading contributors to global morbidity and mortality, with obstructive and restrictive lung diseases posing significant health and socioeconomic challenges. In India, the burden is disproportionately high due to widespread risk factors such as smoking, household air pollution, occupational exposures, and post-tuberculosis sequelae. Punjab, with its high prevalence of tobacco use, industrial and agricultural exposures, and reliance on biomass fuels, faces particular vulnerability. Despite this, community awareness regarding risk factors, symptoms, and preventive strategies remains poorly documented. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults in Punjab using a structured, self-administered Google Form questionnaire. The tool comprised four sections: socio-demographic data, exposure history, 20 multiple-choice knowledge questions on obstructive and restrictive lung diseases, and overall knowledge scoring (excellent: 16–20; good: 12–15; fair: 8–11; poor: 0–7). The questionnaire was validated through expert review and pilot testing (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to assess associations between knowledge levels and socio-demographic factors, with significance set at p <0.05. Results: Of the 400 respondents, 37.0% were aged 30–44 years, and the gender distribution was nearly equal. Urban residents constituted 53.5% of the sample, while 46.5% were rural. Exposure to risk factors was widespread, with 23.0% active smokers, 29.5% passively exposed to tobacco smoke, 26.5% reporting occupational dust exposure, and 30.5% exposed to household biomass smoke. Knowledge assessment revealed that 61.5% correctly identified asthma and COPD as obstructive diseases, 71.5% recognized smoking as a major cause, and 78.0% acknowledged preventive strategies such as smoking cessation, clean fuels, and protective masks. However, awareness of restrictive diseases and their irreversibility was limited (56.0%). Overall, 18.5% had excellent knowledge, 32.0% good, 33.0% fair, and 16.5% poor. Education, residence, and occupation were significantly associated with knowledge levels (p<0.05), while age and gender were not. Conclusion: Awareness of obstructive and restrictive lung diseases among the general public of Punjab is moderate, with substantial gaps in knowledge about restrictive conditions, environmental exposures, and disease irreversibility. Education, occupation, and residence strongly influence awareness, highlighting structural inequalities in health literacy. Targeted health education interventions focusing on rural populations and less educated groups, coupled with integration into existing non-communicable disease programs, are essential to reduce the burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Punjab.