Psychosocial stressors and support needs of survivors of Ebola virus disease, Bombali District, Sierra Leone, 2015

Abstract

Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors are increasing.

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

“…While not common, some EVD survivors did experience rejection by their family members. Studies from Sierra Leone and Guinea reported such rejection in 4/299 (1.3%) and 8/105 (7.6%) EVD survivors respectively. There was less acceptance by their friends, with a larger proportion of EVD survivors 102/105 (97.1%) identifying that they were rejected by their friends in Guinea .…”

“…The remaining three were cohort studies. Eighteen studies were from the 2013 to 2016 outbreak in West Africa the remaining six are from 1995 to 2012 outbreaks in Eastern Africa . Of the 24 papers, 23 were published in English and one published in French .…”

“…Appraisal of the 17 quantitative studies ( n = 17: 11 quantitative cross‐sectional, three mixed methods and three cohorts studies) shows that half (9/17, 52.9%) of the articles adequately addressed the study purpose, literature review, study design, study sample, outcome measures, intervention, data analysis, result, dropouts or exclusions, clinical importance, conclusion and limitations . Poorly reported components were research design , sample size and description , outcome measures (valid and reliable) , results and statistical significance , dropouts/exclusions and limitations . Appraisal of the qualitative studies ( n = 10: 7‐ qualitative cross‐sectional, three‐mixed methods) indicated that the following components were poorly reported data management procedure , conceptual framework , sampling strategy , threats to reliability and validity and ethical considerations .…”

“…Lack of strength due to post‐Ebola physical sequelae and a lack of finances due to loss of their possessions or jobs during the Ebola outbreak were the major reasons for their current low socio‐economic position . Another study in northern Sierra Leone reported that EVD survivors’ key unmet socio‐economic needs include food (97.3%), clothing (65.6%), shelter (6.7%) and financial support (82.3%). The same study reported that nearly half of EVD survivors were willing to learn new skills with a view to seeking employment .…”

“…Another study in northern Sierra Leone reported that EVD survivors’ key unmet socio‐economic needs include food (97.3%), clothing (65.6%), shelter (6.7%) and financial support (82.3%). The same study reported that nearly half of EVD survivors were willing to learn new skills with a view to seeking employment .…”