Hand hygiene, including handwashing by children, has been reported to contribute to the prevention of various infectious conditions. This study aims to explore the correlates of handwashing behavior among 1690 fourth to sixth grade primary school students in 19 Tibetan primary schools (Golog, Qinghai, China). The theory of reasoned action (TRA) was applied. Data was collected by questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that students’ attitude (β = 0.22, 95% CI 0.13–0.31) and subjective norms in terms of compliance to teachers’, parents’ and peers’ suggestions to wash hands (β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.18) were directly associated with students’ handwashing behavior. Students’ knowledge (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.03–0.07) had an indirect association with handwashing behavior, mediated by students’ attitudes and subjective norms. Subjective norms (β = 0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.17) were also indirectly correlated with handwashing through students’ attitudes. Therefore, our study supported the theory of reasoned action through our findings that students’ attitude and knowledge, and also attitudes from teachers, parents and peers were correlated with student handwashing behavior. Students reported higher level of compliance to teachers than to their parents and classmates. Based on this information, we recommend teacher-involved participatory hygiene education to promote students’ handwashing behaviors in areas at high risk for infectious diseases that can be prevented by handwashing.

The 2019-nCoV has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China beginning in December 2019. This epidemic had spread to 19 countries with 11,791 confirmed cases, including 213 deaths, as of January 31, 2020. The World Health Organization declared it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This study analyzed and discussed 70 research articles published until January 31, 2020 for a better understanding of the epidemiology, causes, clinical diagnosis, prevention and control of this virus. Studies thus far have shown origination in connection to a seafood market in Wuhan, but specific animal association has not been confirmed. The reported symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, pneumonia, headache, diarrhea, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. Preventive measures such as masks, hand hygiene practices, avoidance of public contact, case detection, contact tracing, and quarantines are effective for reducing the transmission. To date, no specific antiviral treatment is proven effective, hence, infected people primarily rely on symptomatic treatment and supportive care. Although these studies had relevance to control a public emergency, more research need to be conducted to provide valid and reliable ways to manage this kind of public health emergency in both short- and long- term.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has created havoc worldwide with its high transmission rate. The vaccine and drugs are still under trial; thus, the only option is to break the chain of transmission of disease by imparting the knowledge and designing awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks and preventive measures of COVID-19. This study was conducted to explore the knowledge and perception on health behaviors related to prevention along with addressing several myths and practices for COVID-19. An online cross-sectional survey was carried out in the initial days of disease outbreak in Nepal. A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection and recruitment of participants was done using snowball sampling technique. A total of 358 participants from all over the country were recruited for the study. Output measures were portrayed through descriptive statistical analysis with the use of frequencies (n) and percentages (%). Most of the participants (94.1%) knew about the high-risk age group, 38.5% were unaware that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted even from objects. Participants had better knowledge on modes of transmission of disease (77.1%) while 49.2% thought that regular surgical mask is highly effective for the preventive measure. Findings of this study suggests that people of Nepal are required to be educated about false beliefs and misconceptions. The findings and concerns raised in the study would be beneficial to design awareness-raising campaigns tailored specifically to the need for and understanding of the Nepalese community. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 7, Issue-4: 183-190

Background: Evidence reveals an association between depressive symptoms and disability, while increased incidences of anxiety and depression are observed among women during pregnancy and childbirth. However, the experience of anxiety and depressive symptoms among women with disabilities is rarely studied in Nepal. Objective: Determine the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms among reproductive-age women during pregnancy and delivery and compare their magnitude and severity between those with and without disabilities. Methods: Data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey - 2022, was analyzed. The survey used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scales for depression and anxiety measurements, respectively. ANOVA was used to compare data with multiple means across different groups, and logistic regression explored associations between outcomes and independent variables. Results: The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety among women aged 15 - 49 years was found at 5.9% and 22.2%, respectively. Most (78.4%) did not have depressive symptoms, while 15.7% had mild, 4.2% had moderate, and only 1.7% had severe depressive symptoms. Regarding anxiety, 77.8% had minimal or no symptoms, 20.8% had moderate symptoms, and only 1.4% had severe anxiety symptoms. Women with disabilities were 1.72 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.51 – 1.97; P<0.001), and 1.8 times more likely to experience anxiety (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.56 – 2.05; P<0.001) compared to women without disabilities. Marital status, caste, and ethnicity were strongly associated with depression and anxiety (P<0.001), while pregnancy, religion, and household wealth were associated with depression (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial mental health challenges among women of reproductive-age in Nepal, particularly those with disabilities, during pregnancy and childbirth. The study urges the prompt implementation of focused interventions and policies to address these disparities and improve the well-being of reproductive-age women in Nepal, with special attention to those with disabilities.