Date of Conferral

7-22-2024

Date of Award

July 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Chinaro Kennedy

Abstract

Survivors of Ebola virus disease often experience social isolation. Understanding the psychological impact of Ebola virus disease on these survivors was the focus of this study. The study encompasses assessment of experiences in re-integration back into communities, and psychological implications (post-recovery), among Ebola infection survivors (EIS) in Republic of Liberia. The purpose of the study was to explore the psychological impact of Ebola as the EIS continue their re-integration journey in their communities in Liberia. The conceptual framework for this study was based on principles of system theory, based on interrelatedness of the biopsychological experience of the EIS, and the social system that directly and/or indirectly affects the individual. An exploratory, sequential mixed method design was adapted, and primary data was obtained from 752 study participants. Participants included EIS not integrated into Ebola survivor re-integration service, EIS integrated in re-integration service, EIS who were also caregivers (family/friends), and ten professional healthcare personnel, who are also EIS. The primary data was collected between Jul-Oct 2022 using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and recorded audio interviews. The qualitative data was analyzed using NVivo version 11, with results indicating challenges relating to stigma, and psychological mental health, while quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and Z-test scores which shows a higher prevalence of anxiety (32.3%), depression (22.6%), and stigma (54.3%) among the 752 EIS sampled, compared to the prevalence of anxiety (9.9%), depression (20.2%), stigma (34%) in the general population.

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