COVID-19 Pandemic In Nepal Research Articles

Reflecting on Online Learning Experiences of Secondary School Teachers and Students during COVID-19

This paper examines the experiences of secondary-level students’ learning and teachers’ teaching strategies via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. The government formally announced the closure of physical classrooms to mitigate the outbreak of the coronavirus. This study utilised a qualitative interpretive research design and conducted online semi-structured interviews with the participants, observed their online classes and conducted documentary analysis. The findings of this study indicate that online learning in urban areas provided a flexible and alternative mode to physical classrooms. However, students and teachers faced challenges, such as irregular power supply, poor internet connection, expensive mobile data, lack of digital devices and limited ICT skills among teachers when it came to managing and delivering online classes. Additionally, the study highlights the inability of rural students to access online learning during lockdown. The efficacy of teachers in developing ICT and e-pedagogy skills played a crucial role in sustaining online learning. To ensure equal opportunities for quality education among students from marginalised and disadvantaged communities, it is recommended to equip schools, teachers, and students with the minimum ICT infrastructure and to provide subsidies on computers and internet access.

Sustainability Challenges of Universities’ Online Learning Practices

This paper analyses university teachers and students’ experiences of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal and presents post-pandemic implications. Potential ramifications of the findings in a normal setting were suggested by the analysis of data gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants both during and after the pandemic, as well as through observation of online classes during the period. Findings demonstrate teachers' ability to create online learning, an alternative mode to a physical classroom, during the pandemic while having an inadequate level of ICT understanding. Despite limited access to digital technology and no administrative assistance, teachers and students created an online learning environment. Findings, however, show an increasing digital gap between rural and urban areas. The discontinuation of effective online learning techniques in the post-pandemic circumstances produced by the teachers during the pandemic pointed out the issues of reforming higher education in developing countries such as Nepal.

Nursing Students’ Experience and Perception towards Online Education during Covid-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced educational institutions worldwide to adapt swiftly. This study explorednursing students’ experiences and perceptions towards online education during the pandemic in Nepal.Method: Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, data were collected from 416 nursing students across the country usingnon probability convenient sampling technique via a google form questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from NHRCand for the data analysis, descriptive analysis was done by using appropriate statistical tools and SPSS version 20.Result: Key findings on online class experience, 93.5% participated in live online classes, 62.3% preferred a blend ofsubjective and objective evaluation methods and 58.9% favored pre- and post-classroom assignments. Similarly, regardingbenefits of online education 25.0% strongly agreed that technical skills (email, internet, apps) improved, 53.1% recognizedteachers’ facilitative role in student learning and 45.2% believed online classes reduced psychological stress. There werechallenges on theory classes and clinical practicum where 38.8% acknowledged skill gaps for effective online teaching and44.0% strongly agreed on curriculum redesign respectively.Conclusion: Online learning is crucial for a variety of reasons, including time savings and learning flexibility. Despite these,constrained technology infrastructures, connectivity issues and clinical practicum continued to be obstacles. Effective onlineeducation requires increased internet access, faculty and student digital training, and the support of regulatory authorities.

Assessment of economic burden due to COVID-19 pandemic during institutional childbirth in Nepal: before-and-after design

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in global health and economic stability. In Nepal, before the pandemic, more than 50% of healthcare costs were out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). This study aimed to...

Interest and motivation of disadvantaged students toward online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal

Online learning and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic had mixed impacts on students’ accessibility and performance. It benefited the concerned stakeholders, including management, teachers, and the students, to retain in the system, but it reinforced pre-existing discrimination among students from various disadvantaged groups. Studies reveal that the online learning system created an environment that facilitated students’ motive and interest in learning who disengaged themselves from classrooms due to various socioeconomic reasons during the pandemic. The present study explored students’ experience and perception of online learning in Nepal and analyzed the predictors of their interest in participating in the new learning environments. More specifically, it studied how the online modes of learning were associated with the interests of disadvantaged higher education students in their academic pursuits during the COVID-19 pandemic and how online learning impacted the pre-existing discrimination among them. The study generated concepts and variables drawing from the technology acceptance model (TAM) and a review of existing literature. A survey among 324 higher education students and a follow-up interview among nine selected respondents were conducted in Nepal between April and June 2021. The sample represented students from all social classes, genders, financial status, and geographies. Using a logistic regression model of the survey data and thematic analysis of interviews, this study found that compared to others, students from disadvantaged groups were significantly motivated by the online learning system. Their perception of online learning was positive despite the shortcomings of the system, such as the lack of internet infrastructure and the continuous flow of electricity. Students’ motivation toward the online learning system was triggered by their perception, which helped them to retain and continue in the higher education system. Based on the findings, this study concludes that in a developing country like Nepal, where students face social, economic, and geographical challenges in accessing higher education, the online learning system could be an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face learning to minimize pre-existing discrimination.

Perceived social support and professional quality of life of health professionals during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the perceived social support and professional quality of life (ProQOL) among healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, encompassing both positive (compassion satisfaction) and negative (compassion fatigue) dimensions...

Social Work Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: Current Practices and Future Considerations

ABSTRACT This paper examines the findings of a small qualitative study focusing on two virtual discussions facilitated by the Social Workers’ Association Nepal (SWAN) in May and June 2020 and follow-up interviews conducted with the participants during June 2020. The aim of these discussions and follow-up interviews was to examine the role of social workers in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Seven social work practitioners (including Master’s of Social Work graduates (n = 3), PhD student (n = 1), and social work practitioners (n = 3)) from across the country participated as invited speakers in the sessions with approximately 500 Nepalese social workers engaged as voluntary participants. Based on these discussions, a process of thematic analysis was utilized, where a series of findings emerged that gave consideration to the role of social workers in assisting Nepalese civil society in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings centered upon nationwide action including: emergency responses, relief goods coordination and distribution, quarantine management, psychosocial support, and infodemic management administered by social work practitioners. A series of recommendations emerging from the study’s findings serve to inform the central role of social workers in responding to the current pandemic in Nepal.

Teachers' Humanistic Role in Teaching Mathematics Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Teachers' Humanistic Role in Teaching Mathematics Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Use of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study among stakeholders in Nepal.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major public health threat and the pressure to find curative therapies was tremendous. Particularly in the early critical phase of the pandemic, a lot of empirical treatments, including antimicrobials, were recommended. Drawing on interviews with patients, clinicians and drug dispensers, this article explores the use of antimicrobials for the management of COVID-19 in Nepal. A total of 30 stakeholders (10 clinicians, 10 dispensers and 10 COVID-19 patients) were identified purposively and were approached for an interview. Clinicians and dispensers in three tertiary hospitals in Kathmandu assisted in the recruitment of COVID-19 patients who were undergoing follow-up at an out-patient department. Interviews were audio recorded, translated and transcribed into English, and were analyzed thematically. The respondents report that over-the-counter (OTC) use of antibiotics was widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. This was mostly rooted in patients' attempts to mitigate the potential severity of respiratory illnesses, and the fear of the stigmatization and social isolation linked to being identified as a COVID-19 patient. Patients who visited drug shops and physicians reportedly requested specific medicines including antibiotics. Clinicians reported uncertainty when treating COVID-19 cases that added pressure to prescribe antimicrobials. Respondents from all stakeholder groups recognized the dangers of excessive use of antimicrobials, with some referring to the development of resistance. The COVID-19 pandemic added pressure to prescribe, dispense and overuse antimicrobials, accentuating the pre-existing OTC use of antimicrobials. Infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics warrant special caution regarding the use of antimicrobials and specific policy response.

35 Estimating the Impact of Pregnancy and Childbirth Interventions Coverage on Neonatal Survival during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Abstract Background The indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonatal survival, especially in a resource-constrained and yet previously well-performing nation and in terms of reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality rates, is of global health interest. Objectives We estimated additional newborn lives saved by pregnancy and childbirth interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Design/Methods We used an open-access linear deterministic model, Lives Saved Tool (LiST), to estimate additional newborn lives saved in a year, based on the change in coverage of specified pregnancy and childbirth interventions from the previous year. We kept the rest of the interventions and the effectiveness values unchanged from the ‘default’ in the LiST model. We ran LiST projections based on coverage changes of three or more antenatal care visits and institutional delivery using: (i) ‘actual’ coverage rates reported by health facilities and published in the government’s annual reports; and (ii) ‘target’ coverage rates from the Nepal Every Newborn Action Plan. In those two scenarios, we compared the estimates of additional lives saved in the last three years. Results The number of additional newborn lives saved (with a 95% confidence interval) in a year based on ‘actual’ versus ‘target’ intervention coverage rates varied considerably during the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic: 124 (95% CI: 85,177) vs 115 (78,163) in the year 2020; 83 (57, 118) vs 226 (155,323) in 2021, and 228 (156,323) vs 333 (228,471) in 2022. The top four interventions during childbirth would contribute to 70% (304 of 435) of additional lives saved, based on ‘actual’ coverage rates, compared to 87% (588 of 674) based on the ‘target’ coverages. Neonatal resuscitation saved the most newborn lives (91 vs 178), followed by thermal protection (77 vs 148), clean cord care (72 vs 138), and assisted vaginal delivery (64 vs 124). Prematurity, birth asphyxia, and sepsis are the top three causes of lives lost, contributing to around 72% of neonatal mortality, with estimated neonatal mortality rates of 19.46, 19.53, and 19.28 per 1000 live births in the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively. Conclusion A one-third reduction in estimated additional newborn lives saved in the year 2021 compared to 2020, and a significant difference noted that same year on estimates based on ‘actual’ versus ‘target’ coverage rates of antenatal care and institutional delivery in Nepal, may reflect an indirect impact of reduced coverage of pregnancy and childbirth interventions on neonatal mortality during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domestic Violence against Women during COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Domestic violence perpetrated is a public health problem commonly for women in developing nation like Nepal.Major causes of domestic violence are unemployment, alcohol drink, lack of education, loneliness, crowded livingspaces, lack of privacy. These factors may be aggravated by pandemic such as COVID-19. Women experiencefrom domestic violence due to dominant patriarchal culture combined with a lack of self-awareness and educationamongst adult males. Domestic violence is mostly instigated by intimate partners and maybe intensified due to theunusual stress of pandemic stress and spending increased time with wives and families. Domestic violence usuallymanifested in the form of adverse physical, mental and social health. The COVID-19 pandemic may have increasedthat adverse health of women in Nepal. Preventive strategies of domestic violence could be self-awareness,counselling, create a job, stop living alone at home, sharing with all family members and strong governmentalrules. This paper argues the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence and possible preventive strategiesof domestic violence.

Impact of telemedicine among Parkinson’s disease patients during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal

Impact of telemedicine among Parkinson’s disease patients during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal

Teachers' Humanistic Role in Teaching Mathematics Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

This study aimed to examine the teachers' humanistic role in terms of integrity, dignity, and freedom in online classes, and its effect on mathematics learning achievement. The cross-sectional survey design was carried out by taking 2260 students from school to tertiary levels in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic. T-test, ANOVA, and hierarchical regressions were the major statistical techniques used to yield the results in the research. The results showed that access to the internet, grades/levels, and availability of digital devices are significant in the practice of the humanistic role of teachers and students' learning achievement. Additionally, many factors such as teachers' equality and fair treatment, expression of negative emotions, and displaying energy and enthusiasm in teaching-learning activities, interest in students' well-being, extended moral support, positive attitude, and understanding of pressures and limitations of students are significant predictors in the achievement of mathematics.

From Resistance to Resilience: Teachers’ Adaptation Process to Mediating Digital Devices in Pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19, and Post-COVID-19 Classrooms in Nepal

This qualitative study explores the implementation and adoption process of the use of digital devices and tools in teaching and learning before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Using Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory as a framework, the study examines the adoption and adaptation of digital devices by in-service secondary mathematics teachers (n = 62) and the teachers’ perceptions of and preferences for instructional modalities. The findings suggest that, despite the increased reliance on digital devices during the pandemic, there is a lower likelihood of them being used in face-to-face classrooms in developing countries, such as Nepal. The adoption of online learning had not yet reached the adoption stage, even after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, online learning was not widely adopted by teachers in developing countries societies. The study also provides important insights into the challenges of and opportunities provided by using digital devices in post-COVID-19 classrooms, and its implications for policymakers and educators in Nepal.

Challenges and Complexities of Providing Emergency Medical Services During Covid-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Introduction:During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Department of Emergency Medicine is the one of most busy in Nepal. Challenges and complexities of providing emergency medical service during the waves of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nepal were analyzed.Method:Three years (2020 – 2022) of data was analyzed from Covid patients registered in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Institute of Medicine for reference with National Data of Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal.Results:On November 15, 2022, there were 5,969,338 Covid PCR tests and 1,452,639 Covid Antigen tests in Nepal with 1,000,826 (16.8%) PCR, 152,197 (10.5%) being positive. The cure rate was 98.7% (988,316 cases). There were 12,019 mortalities with 1.2% case fatality. In TUTH 2020 – 2022 records; 3,794 total severe Covid-19 patients were admitted; In the first year, only two patients (1M:1F); In the second year 2,056 patients 1.8M:1F and in the third year 1,736 with 1.1M:1F. The age groups with the first wave vs the second wave were 6.42% vs 5.47% of 0-20 years; 24.22% vs 26.84% of 21-40 years; 30.57% vs 30.87 of 41-60 years and 38.57% vs 36.87% of above 60 years. The hospital mortality rate was 751 (19.8%). Challenges were due to resource limitation, limited PPE, scarcity of oxygen, medication, and ventilators. In TUTH, all levels of emergency management and various definite care were provided 24/7 hours in the pandemic period. There are a lot of challenges in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Service due to a limited number of designated Advance Ambulances during transportation of severe Covid patients. With these challenges and complexities, there were six deaths of their own hospital staff due to severe Covid-19.Conclusion:The challenges and complexities of providing emergency medical services during the Covid-19 pandemic in Nepal have been overcome with teamwork and activation of the emergency care system in Nepal.

Household food security access and dietary diversity amidst covid-19 pandemic in nepal; an evidence from rapid assessment

Household food security access and dietary diversity amidst covid-19 pandemic in nepal; an evidence from rapid assessment

How positive deviants helped in fighting the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic? A qualitative study exploring the roles of frontline health workers in Nepal.

Positive deviance is an approach wherein learnings from persons who fare better than their peers under similar circumstances are used to enable behavioral and social change. Such behaviors and solutions are likely affordable, acceptable, sustainable, and fit into the socio-cultural milieu. Despite the wide use of positive deviance in many public health programs and research, it has yet to be used to study frontline workers in the context of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the positive deviance traits among frontline health workers during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. This qualitative study followed a grounded theory approach. The data was collected through in-depth interviews among the 17 identified participants representing different cadres of the health workforce, types of health facilities, and regions across Nepal purposively. The findings are structured around four major themes: challenges, finding solutions and innovations, positive lessons, and motivations. The personal challenges included fear and anxiety about the uncertainties. The professional challenges included stigma, infection control, and changing work style with the use of personal protective equipment. Despite the challenges, they managed available resources and innovated low-cost, technological, and practice-based solutions. They were able to reflect upon the positive lessons learned, such as self-sustainability, teamwork, and policy direction and research, and self-reflection of personal growth and patient care. The intrinsic motivation included their inherent value system, and the extrinsic motivation included appreciation and acknowledgment, family and social support, psychosocial support from peers, and support from higher authorities. This study provides insights into how the positive deviance approach can help identify the solution amid the most challenging circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in low-resource settings. However, more extensive studies are warranted to explore deeper into positive deviance and its long-term effects in bringing positive outcomes during the pandemic.

Stress and coping strategies among higher secondary and undergraduate students during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly affected lives around the globe and has caused a psychological impact among students by increasing stress and anxiety. This study evaluated the stress level, sources of stress of students of Nepal and their coping strategies during the pandemic. A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted during the complete lockdown in July 2020 among 615 college students. Stress owing to COVID-19 and the lockdown was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) was used to evaluate coping strategies. To compare the stress level among participants chi-square test was used. The Student's t-test was used to compare Brief COPE scores among participants with different characteristics. The majority of study participants were female (53%). The mean PSS score was (±SD) of 20.2±5.5, with 77.2% experiencing moderate and 10.7% experiencing a high-stress level. Moderate to high levels of stress were more common among girls (92.6%) than boys (82.7%) (P = 0.001). However, there was a significant difference in perceived stress levels disaggregated by the students' age, fields and levels of study, living status (with or away from family), parent's occupation, and family income. The mean score for coping strategy was the highest for self-distraction (3.3±0.9), whereas it was the lowest for substance use (1.2±0.5). Students with a low level of stress had a higher preference for positive reframing and acceptance, whereas those with moderate to high levels of stress preferred venting. Overall, students experienced high stress during the lockdown imposed as part of governmental efforts to control COVID-19. Therefore, the findings of our study suggest stress management programs and life skills training. Also, further studies are necessary to conduct a longitudinal assessment to analyse the long-term impact of this situation on students' psychological states.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Academic Activities of Academicians in Nepal

This study explored the academic activities of academicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. An online questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 361 academicians about changes in academic and extracurricular activities. The findings showed that the majority of participants (69% and 72%) agreed that both academic and extracurricular activities, respectively, were adversely affected by the lockdown during the pandemic. The results also showed that the study hours, sleeping hours, and social networking increased while concentration on academic activities decreased during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practice and Challenges of Online Science Teaching at Higher Education During COVID-19 Pandemic

The education system is adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. This study particularly focused to find the existing ICT competencies of science teachers in online teaching-learning and challenges faced to teach during COVID-19. The study followed the quantitative descriptive research design in which all teachers of science of constituent and affiliated campuses of Siraha that run science and technology and science education were selected through census method. A total of 36 science teachers were selected from 3 campuses, one constituent, two affiliated campuses. Closed and structured questionnaires were also used for the collection of data. The obtained data were interpreted by using statistical tools like percentage, mean, standard deviation, correlation, significance through spearman's rho rank order correlation coefficient, bivariate analysis between independent and dependent variables by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.The result showed that almost all teachers had basic requirement of ICT tools and their operating knowledge. One-third had ICT training/ certificate of ICT but only below 20 percentages really practiced it in teaching-learning. The traditional concept of physical mode of teaching, ICT infrastructures, poor ICT capacity, lack of incentives and in adequate ICT friendly environment are major challenges for effective online teaching.