Publication: Public Awareness and Attitude towards COVID-19 Infection and Vaccines: A cross-sectional national survey in Nepal
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
To combat COVID-19, high vaccination rates are essential. However, challenges
such as vaccine denial, lack of knowledge, and negative attitudes hinder progress.
Assessing public understanding of vaccination is crucial to promote acceptance and
reducing reluctance.
Objective
To understand people’s awareness and attitude regarding COVID-19 infection and
vaccines in Nepal.
Method
A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the Nepali population
of age 18 years and above in April 2021 during the early phase of vaccination
deployment. A structured questionnaire was used to collect awareness data, and
a five-point Likert scale was employed to assess participants’ attitudes. The survey
categorized participants into two groups based on whether their awareness level
or attitude score was above or below the mean. The secondary outcome was the
association between socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 awareness or attitude.
Result
Of 475 eligible participants, 46% had a low level of awareness on COVID-19
infection whereas 56% had low awareness on COVID-19 vaccines. Every six out of
ten participants had a positive attitude towards the national COVID-19 vaccination
program. Most of the participants had high awareness of COVID-19 symptoms and
preventive measures (hand hygiene, physical distancing, mask), but two-thirds had a
false perception of vaccine safety and contraindications. People’s education status,
occupation, province, and current/prior COVID-19 infection status were found to be
significantly associated with their awareness regarding COVID-19 disease or vaccines.
Conclusion
The study revealed limited COVID-19 awareness among the Nepali population but
a positive attitude toward the national vaccination program. Regular updates on
COVID-19 and vaccines are important as new variants and vaccines emerge.
KEY WORDS
Attitude, COVID-19 virus, Public awareness, Vaccination
Description
Pant S,1 Bhattarai S,2 Ranabhat K,3,4 Dumre SP,5 Rajbhandari B,6 Mudvari A,7 Bista B,1 Bhandari R,1,4 Adhikari SK,3 Dhimal M,1 Gyanwali P1,4
1Nepal Health Research Council
2Global Health Research and Medical Interventions
for Development (GLOHMED), Kathmandu, Nepal
3Ministry of Health and Population
Government of Nepal
4Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
5Central Department of Microbiology
Tribhuvan University
6Department of Emergency Medicine and General Practice
Nepal Police Hospital
7Department of Clinical Pharmcology
Maharajgunj Medical Campus
Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Keywords
Attitude, COVID-19 virus, Public awareness, Vaccination