Post‐Ebola psychosocial experiences and coping mechanisms among Ebola survivors: a systematic review

Abstract

objective A myriad of physical and psychosocial sequelae have been reported among Ebola survivors from previous Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks, including the most recent in West Africa. This review examines the various forms of psychological distress experienced by EVD survivors, family and community reactions to EVD survivors and EVD survivors' coping mechanisms. methods We conducted a literature search of original articles employing Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO host academic search complete, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Embase databases.results Our search identified 1890 articles of which 24 met our inclusion criteria. Various forms of psychological distress were prevalent among EVD survivors including depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, flashbacks, sadness, worthlessness, substance addiction, suicidal tendencies and selfstigmatisation. Family and community responses to EVD survivors ranged from acceptance to rejection, isolation, stigmatisation and discrimination. EVD survivors' coping strategies included engagement with religious faith, EVD survivors associations and involvement in EVD prevention and control interventions.conclusion Psychological distress, including that resulting from family and community stigma and discrimination, appears common among EVD survivors. Community-based mental health and psychosocial interventions integrated within a broader package of care for EVD survivors that also recognises the physical health challenges are required. Well-designed longitudinal studies can provide clear insights on the nature and trajectory of the psychosocial issues currently experienced by EVD survivors.

An assessment of Ebola-related stigma and its association with informal healthcare utilisation among Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study

“…For example, similar sequelae have been reported among HIV/AIDS patients in Hong Kong [52] and Uganda [53], in which HIV/ AIDS patients reported to feel less worthy of themselves, guilt, shame and self-blame for having HIV/AIDS. The common types of enacted stigma faced by EVD survivors in our study were social isolation, verbal abuse and fear of contagion, all of which are congruent with the common forms of stigma reported by EVD survivors in the wider literature [6]. These findings may be applicable to other emerging infectious disease survivors more generally, as similar forms of stigma from the public and healthcare staff have also been reported among SARS survivors in Hong Kong [54].…”

“…These include community long-term psychosocial counselling for EVD survivors to enhance their coping skills, community education and social support programs for EVD survivors, recruitment and training of trusted opinion leaders that can spread accurate de-stigmatising messages within communities, minimising social isolation and promoting economic empowerment of EVD survivors and EVD affected communities [44,57]. The mental health impact of surviving Ebola is enormous, and previous studies have reported that psychological distress, anxiety and depression are widespread among Ebola survivors [4,6]. Although the impact of Ebola -related stigma on mental illness among Ebola survivors is not well understood, stigma induced psychological distress and anxiety have been found to be associated with adverse mental health outcome among HIV/ AIDS patients [58].…”

“…The West African Ebola outbreak also recorded the highest number of survivors, and current estimates put the number of EVD survivors at more than 10,000 [3]. Many EVD survivors are known to be suffering from short and long-term physical symptoms and mental complications as a result of surviving EVD [4][5][6]. Psychosocial consequences of EVD survivorship can be traumatic, due to the adverse psychological experiences of individuals with EVD had to grapple with during infection, treatment and post-discharge.…”

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms of Patients in Fangcang Shelter Hospital During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: a Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…In addition to physical damage for patients, Widespread outbreaks of infectious disease, such as Ebola virus disease (EVD) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), was also associated with psychological distress and symptoms of mental illness [3,4]. Results from prospective studies consistently indicate psychological distress as a predictor for future health and disease outcomes [5].…”

Predictors of Psychiatric Disorders or uses of Psychotropic Drugs in Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 During Treatment in a Hospital : A Retrospective Chart Review Running title : Mental health of COVID-19 patients

“…Some survivors of EIDs are known to have suffered from mental health problems for years. Various forms of psychological distress were prevalent among Ebola survivors, including depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, ashbacks, sadness, worthlessness, substance addiction, suicidal tendencies, and selfstigmatization [5]. The meta-analysis [13] indicated that in the post-illness stage of SARS and MERS, the point prevalence of PTSD was 32.2%, that of depression was 14.9%, and that of anxiety disorder was 14.8%.…”