Public Understanding and Their Response to COVID-19 in Nepal

Background: Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has become one of the major causes of death. Its prevention and control have been challenging for every nation. Public understanding and practice play vital roles in its containment. This study aimed at identifying public understanding and response to COVID-19 in Nepal. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Nepal among 3,582 adults through an online, self-administered questionnaire shared via Viber group created by Ministry of Health and Population. The responses were analyzed and predictors of response studied. Findings: Most of the participants were male (73·2%), with mean age 32·4 years. Majority were married (54·2%) and had knowledge about transmission and symptoms of COVID-19.Almost all (99·6%) stated that hand washing/sanitizing can prevent its transmission. However, myths about prevention like drinking hot water (78·9%), gargling (67·6%), avoiding imports (67·6%), distancing from pets (65·6%), and warm showers (40%) were prevalent. Most of them (98%) used mask. The average knowledge score was 9·74±1·59 out of 12, attitude score 7·09±0·77 out of 8, and practice score 2·70±0·53 out of 3.Majority of the total respondents supported the government’s efforts but were facing problems due to lockdown like difficulty getting daily consumables, increased levels of mental illnesses due to confinement, and facing increased economic burdens. Interpretation: From the findings summarized above, we can infer that government interventions should focus on minimizing the public’s difficulties due to lockdown while enforcing prevention strategies via raising awareness about COVID-19. Funding Statement: This study was funded by the Government of Nepal. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest in the study. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval for research was obtained from the Ethical Review Board at Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC). Collaboration with MoHP was done to deploy the questionnaire in its Viber Group. We obtained an informed consent from all the participants and anonymity of the participants was maintained throughout the study.