Date of Award

4-14-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)

First Advisor

Dr. Syeda Naghma Rizvi

Second Advisor

Dr. Sharifa Lalani

Third Advisor

Dr. Eunice Siaity-Pallangyo

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 was not an epidemic, but a pandemic with no history. Therefore, the public's response with regard to understanding the spread of the disease and protecting themselves from the disease, is undoubtedly, varied. In Pakistan, 62.84% of the population lives in villages, most of whom cannot read and write, hence, have insufficient health education sources. It is believed that the success of public health measures is contingent on the perception of the Coronavirus among rural communities. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high prevalence of inaccurate and misleading information on social media resulting in developing perceptions about the disease and its precautions.
Objective: To understand the knowledge and the perceptions about COVID-19 among the Pakistani rural, adult population, who are unable to read or write. The study will also explore the associated factors that contribute to these perceptions.
Key words: COVID-19, Perception, Rural population, health literacy, infodemics
Methodology: A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was employed for the current study. The study setting was the rural population of district Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. Using purposive sampling, a total of twelve in-depth interviews were conducted. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data. The interviews were audio recorded, translated, analyzed and transcribed verbatim.
Findings: Three themes and eleven categories ….. The eleven categories were derived from multiple sub-categories. The two primary research questions were the basis for the themes "Awareness and impact of COVID-19", "Circumstantial Effects", and "Frustration with the Government." The current study's findings revealed that the subcategories "existence of Coronavirus”, “denial of Coronavirus”, “perceived as a bioweapon”, “perceived as an already existing disease”, “composition”, “therapeutic effects”, “fear and stress”, “anger”, “postponements of school examinations”, “childrens’ loss of interest in studies”, “business and agricultural loss”, “lack of income sources”, “change in lifestyle”, “social isolation”, “apprehensions and mistrust regarding the health system”, “false assertions”, “religious justifications”, “relief in electricity bills”, “aid distribution”, and “suggestions and recommendations” contributed to the COVID-19 perception among the Pakistani rural, adult population, who could not read or write.
Conclusion: The current study reported misconceptions about COVID-19 among rural communities and those who cannot read or write. These findings assisted in highlighting important considerations for designing and implementing sustainable and culturally relevant public health awareness campaigns for communicable diseases.

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