1 Introduction

Global Public Health Days, also called health awareness days, present a significant opportunity to enhance knowledge and comprehension of health concerns and galvanise backing for initiatives, from local communities to the global arena [1].

These days are widely commemorated in health to enhance awareness and advocate for specific diseases or health issues [2]. These days assist in providing patients with information on their diseases and the overall impact of these conditions on their health [3].

As initially conceptualised by Mulvihill, the health awareness day is a “brief exposure, high visibility program designed to stimulate thinking and discussion of certain health risks and issues by large numbers of people.” This intervention strategy is widely recognised and utilised by public health practitioners, policymakers, and the general public. The US National Health Observances calendar includes around 200 health awareness days, weeks, and months, while Congress has introduced over 145 laws related to awareness days since 2005 [4].

Further, the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises explicitly the designated 11-day period and two-week timeframe that the WHO Member States have officially established as global public health days. In India, as per the National Health Mission, 36 important health days are listed under wellness and health promotion [5].

The purpose of these awareness days is to provide a forum in which all stakeholders, including individuals, organisations, and governments, may join together and execute initiatives to improve health outcomes, advocate for healthy lifestyles, and reduce the incidence of illnesses that can be prevented. This enables mass media to proactively discuss the health awareness days as it is an enormous influence in impacting both individual and public health systems.

Considering that the mass media, particularly radio and television, are among the most important sources of education and information in society, they have the potential to play a positive role in the promotion of public health [6].

Mass media can significantly influence the public’s knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours. This influence extends beyond the public as individuals to include families, communities, and society. It is possible to harness the power and reach of the mass media to promote health by informing, motivating, and empowering people to change their behaviour and by providing a platform for advocating healthier policies and civic action. The mass media can influence all aspects of people’s lives, including their health and well-being [7].

The objective of this study is to analyse people’s perception regarding mass media’s role in creating awareness about health awareness days. Limited studies have been undertaken on the significance and efficacy of overall health awareness days, which is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) and government have designated and dedicated these days. Health groups and government departments dedicated to health firmly think that observing such days in a responsible manner would effectively educate the public and help curb the spread of diseases. If a specific period, such as a day or week, is designated for a particular health issue, it can effectively spread the message and encourage the adoption of awareness and preventative actions. My research aims to investigate individuals’ impression of how the media is currently handling contemporary issues, and to explore strategies for enhancing its effectiveness in doing so.

An interview schedule was conducted in the Gurugram district of Haryana, and a questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents. Further, according to the 2011 Census of India, the estimated population of this district is 1,153,000. It is the second-largest IT centre and the third-largest financial hub in India.

Gurugram ranks among India’s top five most polluted cities and is also among the world’s top 30 most polluted cities [8]. Persons can suffer adverse effects on their health if they are subjected to high amounts of air pollution. It raises the likelihood of developing acute respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and stroke. The nature and quantity of the pollutants, the amount of exposure, and the health and age of the receptor all have a role in determining the damage. Several mental health issues can be brought on by air pollution, such as a decrease in a person’s cognitive ability, an increase in the risk of developing dementia, and a detrimental impact on the brain development of infants [9].

There have been very few health studies conducted in the Gurugram area. Hence, this study seeks to gather individuals’ interest in understanding health awareness days and their pivotal role in acquiring disease prevention and treatment knowledge.

2 Objective

To understand people’s perception regarding mass media’s role in creating awareness about health awareness days

3 Material and methods

3.1 Sampling framework

Out of the country’s 28 states and eight Union territories, the state of Haryana has been selected with the help of convenient sampling. The District of Gurgaon has been opted based on the convenience of the know-about of the area. Further, with the help of convenient sampling, all four sub-divisions of Gurgaon, namely Gurugram, Sohna, Badshahpur & Pataudi, are included to get a representative sample. From each sub-division, 100 respondents were selected using systematic random sampling by visiting the public parks. The place, a public park, has been chosen as most people there are engaged in physical activity, conscious of their health and know the importance of healthcare. Further, systematic random sampling ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The data for the current study was collected over five months, from February 2023 to June 2023.

3.2 Sample size calculation

The population of the district Gurgaon was selected for the study, estimated at 1,514,085 (As per Census 2011) [10] and based on this, the sample size was calculated using the formula below.

$${\text{Sample Size n}} = {\text{N }} \times \, \left[ {{\text{Z}}^{2} \, \times {\text{ p}} \times \left( {1 - {\text{p}}} \right)/{\text{e}}^{2} } \right]/\left[ {{\text{N}}{-}1 + \left( {{\text{Z}}^{2} \times {\text{p }} \times \, \left( {1 - {\text{p}}} \right)/{\text{e}}^{2} } \right)} \right]$$

where, N = Population size, Z = Critical value of the normal distribution at the required confidence level,

p = Sample proportion, e = Margin of error.

In this case

Population size, N = 1,514,085 (As per Census 2011)

Critical value at 95% confidence level, Z = 1.96

Since the current conversion rate is unknown, let us assume p = 0.5

Margin of error, e = 5% or 0.05

Sample Size n = N × [Z2 × p × (1 − p)/e2]/[N − 1 + (Z2 × p × (1 − p)/e2]

n = 1,514,085 × [1.962 × 0.5 × (1 − 0.5)/(0.05)2]/[1,514,085 − 1 + (1.962 × 0.5 × (1–0.5)/(0.05)2] = ~ 384.

Therefore, we have taken our sample size to around 400 with some extra samples to complete the study.

3.3 Data collection method

The interview schedule is structured with 11 questions, where the initial three cater to demographic profiles. The remaining questions are closed-ended with possible responses as pre-coded, except for one as an open-ended question. A Likert scale was developed for two questions. The interview schedule was drafted in Hindi and English so that the person administering can understand. Further, the interview schedule was shared with public health experts for their feedback and validation. Also, Informed consent was obtained from all the respondents.

3.4 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The responses included people who visited the public parks with an inclination or aim to keep themselves healthy across genders, age and education. They were approached to administer the interview schedule. Exclusion criteria included individuals unable or unwilling to participate in the study. For the study, youth under 18 were not included.

3.5 Tool for data analysis

An interview schedule was coded primarily on Excel so that a database could be created, and it was then analysed using SPSS.

3.6 Ethical considerations

Ethical clearance was obtained from the respective institute vide approval No. SVU/PhD/2476/24/6763. Authors confirmed that no human or animal was harmed during collecting data.

4 Results

4.1 Demographic profile of the respondents

Table 1 demonstrates the demographic profile of the respondents. Regarding the distribution of age, 21.5% of the respondents are aged between 18 and 24 years, 20.8% are aged between 25 and 34 years, 16.5% are aged between 35 and 44 years, 16.8% are aged between 45 and 54 years, 10.8% are between 55 and 64 years and 13.8% of the respondents are aged over 65 years. Most respondents are between 18 and 24, followed by the age group of 25 and 34.

Table 1 Demographic Profile
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Further, 42% of the respondents are male, 56.8% of respondents are female, and 1.3% of the respondents fall under the other category. Female respondents are in the majority in comparison to male respondents.

Concerning the distribution of education, 5.8% of the respondents have studied up to 10th standard, 14.8% have studied up to 12th standard, 39% of the respondents are graduates, 18.5% are post-graduate, 18.8% are professionals, and 3.3% of the respondents have chosen the category, any other. The majority of the respondents have attained their education till graduation.

5 Respondents’ perception regarding mass media’s role in creating awareness about health awareness days

5.1 Respondents follow media for healthcare

Table 2 demonstrates that 86.5% of the respondents follow media for healthcare, and 13.5% do not follow media for healthcare. The latter did not participate in administering the rest of the questionnaire.

Table 2 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of Respondents follow media for healthcare
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Out of the former, 97% of the respondents in the age group of 45 and 54 years majorly follow media for healthcare, followed by 90.9% in the age group of 35 and 44. 88.1% of males and 85% of females follow. And, under education, 92% of professionals follow media for healthcare.

The Table also demonstrates that the Chi-square value for the number of respondents who follow media for healthcare and age is 22.973a, and the p-value is p < 0.001. Since the p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. The result is significant- as the variables age and following media for healthcare are associated with each other.

However, regarding gender, the p-value is greater than the standard alpha value (0.05), so we would accept the null hypothesis. The result is insignificant- as variable gender and respondents who follow media for healthcare are not associated with each other. Under education, the p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), and the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. The result is significant- as the variables education and following media for healthcare are associated with each other.

5.2 Respondents aware of health awareness days

Table 3 establishes that 26.9% of the respondents are not aware, 68.2% are slightly aware, 2.3% are moderately aware, and 2.6% are very aware of the health awareness days. Additionally, 84.2% of respondents aged 55–64 years are slightly aware of the health awareness days. Further, 75% of male and 64.8% of female are slightly aware of the health awareness days. Under education, 87.7% of the post-graduates are slightly-aware of the health awareness days.

Table 3 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of Respondents aware of health awareness days
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From Table 3, it is evident that the chi-square value of respondents who are aware of the health awareness days and age is 62.827a, and the p-value is 0.000. The result is significant- the data suggests that the variables age and respondents who are aware of the health awareness days are associated with each other. Further, for gender and education, the p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), and the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. The variables gender and education and respondents who are aware of the health awareness days are associated with each other.

5.3 The first health awareness day comes in the mind of the respondents

Table 4 demonstrates that the first health day which comes to mind of the respondents is World Yoga Day, at 23.4%, followed by World Health Day at 15.3%, and World Cancer Day at 12.1%. Rest of the days include World Heart Day (7.8%), World TB Day (4.9%), World Mental Health Day (4%), World AIDS Day (3.2%) and World Tobacco Day (1.2%). Further, 26.3% of the respondents couldn’t think or relate to any health day.

Table 4 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of the first health awareness day comes in the mind of the respondents
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Respondents in the age group of 65 and above & 55 and 64 at 66.7% and 42.1%, respectively, answered World Yoga Day. 35.8% of males and 14.5% of females have said World Yoga Day. Under education, ‘Any Other’ and ‘Post-Graduate’ at 61.5% and 33.8% respectively, answered World Yoga Day.

From Table 4 it is evident that for age, gender and education, the p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. The variables age, gender, education, and the first health awareness day that comes to the mind of the respondents are associated with each other.

5.4 Keen in knowing about all health days listed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India

Table 5 demonstrates that 76% of the respondents are keen on knowing all health days listed by the Ministry of Health, GoI; 12.7% showed no interest, while 11.3% opted for can’t say. 93.8% of the respondents in the age group of 55 and 64 expressed their keenness. Further, 86.5% of female would like to know about all days listed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India. Under education, 85.4% of graduates are keen on knowing about all health days listed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India.

Table 5 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of Respondents Keen in knowing about all health days listed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India
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From Table 5, it is evident that for age, gender and education, the p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), and the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. The variables age, gender, education and keenness to know about all health days listed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India, are associated with each other.

5.5 Keen in knowing health awareness days discussing healthcare issues in terms of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment

Table 6 establishes that 84.1% of the respondents are keen on knowing about health days discussing prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases, 10.4% showed no interest, while 5.5% opted for can’t say. 96.9% of the respondents aged 45 and 54 expressed their keenness in knowing about health days. Further, 100% of other category and 92.7% of female are keen. And, under education, 95.7% and 90.8% in the category of Up to 10 and Graduates, respectively expressed their keenness in knowing about health days discussing healthcare issues in terms of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Table 6 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of Respondents keen in knowing health awareness days discussing healthcare issues in terms of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment
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Table 6 also demonstrates that the chi-square value of respondents being keen on knowing about health days discussing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the diseases and age is 112.301a, and the p-value is 0.000. The result is significant- the data suggests that the variables age and keenness in knowing are associated with each other.

The variables’ gender and education’s p-value of the test are lesser than the significant value (0.05), so the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. Therefore, both variables, gender and education, and keenness in knowing are associated with each other.

5.6 By knowing all health awareness days, one will be better informed about health

Table 7 demonstrates that 86.4% of the respondents believe that by knowing all health awareness days, one will be better informed about health, 12.4% opted for can’t say while 1.2% said no. 98.7% of the respondents in the age group of 25 and 34 expressed their belief that by knowing all health awareness days one will be better informed about health. 95.3% of females believe that knowing all health awareness days will make one better informed about health. Further, 90% of graduates under-education believe that knowing all health awareness days will make one better informed about health.

Table 7 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of Respondents by knowing all health awareness days, one will be better informed about health
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Table 7 also establishes that the chi-square value of respondents who believe that by knowing all health awareness days, one will be better informed about health and age is 94.944a. The p-value is 0.000. The result is significant- the data suggests that the variables age and respondents who believe that by knowing all health awareness days one will be better informed about health.

The variables gender as well as education’s p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. Therefore, both variables gender and education, and by knowing all health awareness days, one will be better informed about health are associated with each other.

5.7 Respondents level of agreement regarding mass media mediums creating awareness about all health days

Table 8 establishes that 7.5% of the respondents agree that the mass media mediums create awareness about all health days, 7.8% are neutral, 59.2% majorly disagree, and 25.4% strongly disagree that they are creating awareness about all health days. 42.7% of the respondents in the age group of 25 and 34 strongly disagree that mass media mediums create awareness about all health days.

Table 8 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of Respondents level of agreement regarding mass media mediums creating awareness about all health days
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Further, 60.1% of males as well as females disagree with the fact that mass media is creating awareness about all health awareness days. Under education, 81.5% of post-graduates disagree that mass media mediums create awareness about all health days.

Table 8 also demonstrates that the chi-square value of respondents who agree that the mass media mediums are creating awareness about all health days and age is 75.565a. The p-value is 0.000. Since the p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. The result is significant- the data suggests that the variables age and respondents who agree that the mass media mediums are creating awareness about all health days are associated with each other.

The variables gender as well as education’s p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. Therefore, both gender and education variables, and respondents who agree that the mass media mediums are creating awareness about all health days are associated with each other.

5.8 Prefer for the mass media medium to know about health days

Table 9 establishes that 38.2% of the respondents would prefer online news as a mass media medium to know about health awareness days, followed by television at 28.9%, 19.9% for newspapers, 6.6% for radio and 6.4% for social media. As for social media, respondents believe there is no assurance that the news on health is real or fake. 65.2% of the respondents in the age group of 18 and 24 would prefer to know health awareness days through online news. 39.4% of female prefer online news to know about health awareness days. Further, 66.2% of graduates under-education prefer television to know about health awareness days.

Table 9 Frequency Distribution and Chi-Square Test of Respondents Preference for the mass media medium to know about health days
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From Table 9, it is clear that the chi-square value of respondent’s preference for the mass media medium to know about health awareness days and age is 75.565a and the p-value is 0.000. Since the p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. The result is significant- the data suggests that age and respondents’ preference for the mass media medium to know about health awareness days are associated with each other.

The variables’ gender and education’s p-value of the test are lesser than the significant value (0.05), so the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. Therefore, both gender and education variables and preference for the mass media medium to know about health awareness days are associated with each other.

6 Discussion

The survey results show that 86.5% of the respondents follow media for healthcare, and 13.5% do not because they depend on family physicians and family members to seek healthcare information. This affirms that the respondents are using mass media to seek healthcare information. The Chi-Square Test revealed that the number of respondents who follow media for healthcare and age are associated with each other as the p-value (0.001) is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected.

When the respondents were asked whether they were aware of health awareness days, 26.9% were not at all aware, 68.2% were slightly aware. Those who are aware have primarily heard of World Yoga Day, at 23.4%, followed by World Health Day at 15.3%. The increasing global popularity of yoga has been facilitated by using new media technologies, including social media platforms, websites, mobile applications, and online communities. These technologies have played a crucial role in expanding the reach of yoga and fostering a global community of practitioners [11]. Further, 26.3% of the respondents couldn’t think or relate to any health day, which is significant, and this gap needs media attention.

Also, 76% of the respondents are keen on knowing all health days listed by the Ministry of Health, GoI. The respondents were asked if they were keen on learning about health days and discussing disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 84.1% have responded yes. The data already suggests that health awareness days can effectively enhance the behaviour of seeking information about sickness or condition. This is further substantiated that all three variables—age, gender as well as education’s p-value of the test is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected. Therefore, the variables age, gender, education, and keenness in knowing are associated with each other.

The survey results highlighted the respondent’s agreement regarding mass media mediums creating awareness about all health days. 59.2% majorly disagreed that mass media mediums create awareness about all health days. Further, 38.2% of the respondents would prefer online news as a mass media medium to know about health awareness days, followed by television at 28.9%, 19.9% is for newspapers, 6.6% for radio and 6.4% for social media. As for social media, respondents believe there is no assurance that the news on health is real or fake. Also, the Chi-Square Tests of respondent’s preference for the mass media medium to know about health awareness days and variables age, gender, and education revealed that the p-value (0.000) is lesser than the significant value (0.05), the null hypothesis of the sample test is rejected.

The internet’s ability to easily include several sources of information on diverse topics has made it a valuable tool for outreach and research in the healthcare industry. Searches encompass various issues, including illnesses, their treatments, methods of preventing pathologies, promoting health, diet, cleanliness, and related services. Nevertheless, it is crucial to have a more comprehensive comprehension of the metrics or patterns of searching for healthcare information on the internet, given that the user of this instrument may encounter a substantial quantity of questionable and contradictory material. Although it is convenient to access a wide range of information, it is equally challenging to get trustworthy information due to the vast volume of data available, which hinders the identification of trusted sources [12].

6.1 Limitations

The study focused on collecting data from 400 respondents from Gurgaon and may not be representative of the entire population of Gurgaon. The findings might lack generalizability due to the relatively small sample size.

The research focused specifically on the respondents from the public parks of four Gurgaon zones, excluding other areas. The study is not funded, and the findings may not capture people from other areas. It was a voluntary approach, and no one was insisted to respond. People taken as respondents were those who walked in the park were requested not keeping in mind the age slab, gender or education of the respondent.

7 Conclusion

According to the study, 76% of the participants expressed a strong interest in being aware of all the health days officially recognised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Additionally, 38.2% of the participants preferred obtaining information about health awareness days from Internet news, while 28.9% indicated a preference for television. This suggests that individuals are eager to be informed about these significant dates, as each is important and dedicated to a specific illness. Just as World Yoga Day has made a significant breakthrough and set a precedent that people from various countries participate in the events that celebrate the day. The internet-based news media has played a crucial role in spreading the message. Likewise, on other health days, the media might use proactive methods to disseminate the message, enhancing knowledge about illness prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.