Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Coronavirus Disease Among Patients Visiting Eye Hospitals of Province Number 2, Nepal.

Shah, Ranjan; Mishra, Sailesh Kumar; Jha, Nisha; Shankar, Pathiyil Ravi; Bhandary, Shital; Kunwar, Man Bahadur; Baral, Pawan

The present study aims to explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 and level of satisfaction with efforts to halt the further spread of the disease among patients visiting eye hospitals in province number 2, Nepal. All eligible patients (n = 1112) presenting during the study period were interviewed using a validated semistructured questionnaire. The level of awareness was significantly associated with educational attainment and district of residence. Different myths and misconceptions regarding COVID-19 were prevalent. Preventive practices against the pandemic were observed by less than 50% of the participants and it varied significantly by education and the district of residence. Health education and behavior change communication (BCC) campaigns are necessary in the eye hospitals in province 2 to improve the knowledge level, address prevailing negative attitudes, and promote preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies in eye hospitals in other provinces in Nepal are required.