Fear, Stigma and Othering: The Impact of COVID-19 rumours on marginalised population groups of Nepal
- Funded by British Academy
- Total publications:0 publications
Grant number: COV19\201296
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Key facts
Disease
COVID-19Known Financial Commitments (USD)
$12,471.2Funder
British AcademyPrincipal Investigator
Dr. Pramod RegmiResearch Location
NepalLead Research Institution
Bournemouth University, Health and Social SciencesResearch Priority Alignment
N/A
Research Category
Policies for public health, disease control & community resilience
Research Subcategory
Communication
Special Interest Tags
N/A
Study Type
Non-Clinical
Clinical Trial Details
N/A
Broad Policy Alignment
Pending
Age Group
Unspecified
Vulnerable Population
Internally Displaced and MigrantsMinority communities unspecified
Occupations of Interest
Unspecified
Abstract
There have been rumours of returnee migrant workers from India and Muslims (who had attended religious gatherings in Nepal and India) spreading COVID-19 in Nepal. These rumours are spread and exaggerated by social media and online news portals blatantly blaming these groups as COVID-19 carriers responsible for spreading the infections into communities. We aim to explore the extent and wider impact of such mis/disinformation and rumours on returnee Nepali migrants and Muslims and establish their resilience (if any) and coping strategies. This multi-method study comprises: (a) content analysis of media contents (newspapers, online news portals, YouTube), and (b) interviews with returnee Nepali migrants, Muslims and relevant key stakeholders. Findings from this study will help develop strategies to dispel rumours and mis/disinformation targeted to these socio-economically disadvantaged/minority population groups in Nepal. We will work closely with a Nepal-based charity for field work and dissemination of this study.