Information about COVID-19 among Selected Population of Eastern Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Rapid spread of COVID-19 has become a major concern worldwide. Strong adherence to preventive measures can help to break the chain of the spread of coronavirus. We conducted this study to find out the extent of information general people of Eastern Nepal have regarding COVID-19 and their attitude and practice towards preventing its spread. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online study was done among the people of Eastern Nepal on knowledge, attitude, and practice related to COVID-19 from May 1st to May 15th after obtaining ethical clearance from the ethical review board (ERB) (ref no. 319/2020 P). A 20 item survey instrument was adapted using WHO course materials on an emerging COVID-19. A convenience sample method was used. Data were collected and entered in Statistical Packages for Social Services version 11.5. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Among 1069 respondents, the correct answer on the COVID-19 related knowledge questionnaire was 958 (89.61%), 487 (93.11%) were health professionals, and 471 (86.26%) non-health professionals. Preventive measures were strictly followed by 1044 (97.66%) participants. A wrong perception about the disease was present in 390 (36.48%). Health ministry website 356 (33.30%) followed by news media 309 (29%) was the major source of information among the people. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding COVID-19 among people the selected population of eastern is satisfactory which was similar to other studies done. However, people still have misperceptions regarding the disease and do not strictly follow the preventive measures.