KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AND STIGMA REGARDING COVID-19 AMONG PEOPLE OF KARNALI PROVINCE, NEPAL

Background: The Human Coronaviruses (HCoVs), the neglected inconsequential pathogens have emerged from animal to man and man to man as a global epidemic with alarming morbidity and mortality in 21st century and Nepal did not remain sacred. It was important to rapidly assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma regarding COVID-19 among people of Karnali Province where large number of labor migrants and villagers have entered the district during pandemic. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was done using structured questionnaire among 500 participants from Jumla and Mugu districts of Karnali Province. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were done. Ethical principles were followed throughout the study. Results: Among 500 participants, only 46.4% had good knowledge, 50.0% had positive attitude and 33.2% had good preventive practices regarding COVID-19. About one third (30%) participants sensed discriminatory behavior in community. Knowledge and attitude had statistically significant association with preventive practices against pandemic. Conclusions: More than half of the people of Karnali Province had poor knowledge, negative attitude and poor preventive practices regarding COVID-19. The determining factors for this situation were age, marital status, ethnicity, education, occupation and travel history. Hence, it is crucial to improve knowledge and attitude which will ultimately enhance preventive practices. Likewise, it is of utmost importance to address social stigma related to such epidemic, a serious public health issue prevalent in Karnali Province.