Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 among Nepalese residents during the COVID-19 outbreak: An online cross-sectional study
Abstract Background. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of COVID-19 among Nepalese population, as containment of the disease is only possible with the change in behaviours as preventive measures. Methodology. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted for a period of two month among Nepalese residents aged ≥ 18 years using a previously validated tool. Unrestricted self-selected, convenient sampling method was adopted to generate a heterogeneous sample. Data were analysed in SPSS version 22 using chi-square/Fisher-exact test, independent t-test, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression. Results. Out of 766 participants, 78.3% were aged 20–39 years and 58.2% were residents of province 3. One-third of the respondents were students followed by health workers. The rates for correct answer for COVID-19 knowledge questionnaire ranged from 30–99% with health workers and participants with bachelor’s degree having significantly better knowledge. Of the total participants, 71.5% agreed that COVID-19 will be effectively controlled and 80% were assured that Nepal could win the fight against COVID-19. The majority of the participants had not visited any crowded place (93.1%) which was significantly associated with age, marital status, gender, education, occupation, province of residence, and knowledge score of COVID-19 and 92.4% participants wore masks while going out which significantly differed across gender. Conclusion. There is a need to provide education and awareness about COVID-19 to Nepalese people focusing on the areas of knowledge gap so that Nepal can have victory against COVID-19.