Objective To investigate the awareness of hot spring-related knowledge among general community residents and hot spring consumers from Chongqing

which may offer insights into hot spring-health integration.Methods According to the distribution of community squares and hot spring service centers in Chongqing

2 representative community squares and 2 hot spring centers were randomly selected for this survey.Based on convenience sampling

a total of 336 participants were surveyed using a self-designed questionnaire.Participants were classified into general community residents group and hot spring consumers group according to the frequency of hot spring baths within the previous year.The questionnaire consisted of five domains

including general information

awareness of hot spring water quality

awareness of hot spring healthcare

awareness of hot spring baths safety

and suggestions for hot spring service providers.Results The general community residents group and the hot spring consumers group were comparable in terms of gender distribution

educational background

and health status（P>0.05）

but significant differences were found in terms of age distribution

occupation

annual income

and average annual frequency of hot spring baths（P<0.05）.When answering the questions about"absence of hot spring classification according to its medical effects""appropriate temperature for hot spring baths"and"factors influencing safe use of hot spring resources"

significantly more respondents in the hot spring consumers group provided correct answers compared with those in the general community residents group（P<0.05）.Regression analysis showed that

educational background

annual income and average annual frequency of hot spring baths were significant factors affecting the awareness of hot spring（P<0.05）.Conclusion Both general community residents and hot spring consumers from Chongqing have a poor understanding of hot spring.Thus

it is important to adopt new ways of education

strengthen publicity

and enhance awareness;meanwhile based on the influencing factors of educational background

annual income and frequency of hot spring baths

targeted publicity and education may be performed to improve the awareness of hot spring among residents.