Journal of Preventive Medicine

Assessment of Knowledge among General Population of Nepal about COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a highly pestilent global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, destroying various walks of human life where the only ray of light coming through can be seen in the form of the vaccine. Nepal, having limited resources and vaccine doses, is distributing them based on immediate requirements. One’s right attitude and practices towards the current issue determined by their knowledge and awareness is need of the hour. Awareness and right knowledge about the magnitude of damage this disease can cause, the methods of its spread, incubation period, and the right time to seek medical help can make people conscious and adopt preventive practices which can be life-saving for themselves as well as the society in a time when the vaccine is not available for all.

Methods

A descriptive web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among the 464 general public of Nepal.

Results

Out of 464 participants, the male to female ratio was 91:57. The average knowledge score observed on females was 75.4% whereas on the male was 73.2%. The average knowledge score of people of age below 18 years, 18-30 years, 30-60 years, and above 60 years was 45.83%, 75.39%, 67.73%, and 69.06% respectively. It was 73.33% in the postgraduates, 76.8% in the graduates, and 59.48% in the illiterates.

Conclusion

The knowledge level found was directly proportional to the educational status of the participants. Females and young adults had more knowledge about COVID-19 in comparison to others.

Author(s): Saharoj Siddiqui, Aashish Pandey, Ambalika Shukla, Nandita Gurung, Vivek Kumar Sah and Sakina Nisa

Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

Share this