CONSCIOUSNESS, THREATS AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS COVID-19 AMONG THE BUSINESS PERSONS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET, BIRTAMOD, JHAPA, NEPAL

Corona virus disease (COVID-19) has been the emerging as an unseen enemy transmitted by peopleto-people. Not only as the first variant now second variant also terrifying people in all over the world. Most of the countries including Nepal are suffering by COVID-19 pandemic therefore proper consciousness, knowledge, and perception towards COVID-19 is crucial. This study aimed to explore the causes, transmission, knowledge and measures to control of COVID-19 using cross-sectional design by the basis of primary data collection. Convenience sample performed from 18 to 24 April, 2021 to collects 103 sample respondents in Market area of agricultural product, Birtamod. Majority of the respondents were conscious about information, knowledge, modes of transmission, symptoms and measures of prevention in basis of the responses of COVID-19 infection, airborne, touching contaminated objects/surfaces, contact with contaminated animals, fever, coughing/sneezing, shortness of breath, washing hand regularly by using alcohol or soap and water, avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough etc. Respondents were worried about bad effects of COVID19 mostly in economic, health, social and religious, and educational and psychological areas. All the background variables of the respondents like gender, age, marital status, education, ethnicity, family size and religion are closely related with knowledge and perception of COVID-19. Among them, marital status and religion of the respondents were statistically significant variables. It is advisable to create sound knowledge to cope COVID-19 crisis by providing proper information about bad effects of infection and preventing precautions and measures through local authorities and all concerned stake holders.