Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Srikanta Banerjee

Abstract

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a highly transmittable disease with high mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors associated with the contraction of EVD in Liberia. A retrospective cross-sectional design was used to analyze secondary data collected on 1,658 patients admitted to Ebola treatment units in Liberia, using the social ecological model as a theoretical framework. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test for association and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The findings of this study revealed that funeral attendance, exposure to body fluids, and contact with a living sick person were associated with the contraction of EVD (p < 0.05). The likelihood of contracting EVD is 14.32 times greater among patients exposed to body fluids. The likelihood of contracting EVD is 15.34 times greater among patients exposed to a living sick person. The results failed to identify other factors such as gender, age, and community of residence as factors associated with the contraction of EVD. The findings of this study may foster social change through comprehensive EVD prevention and control programs by focusing on improving the quality of life of underprivileged communities, investing in social, educational, and community-based development programs such as roads, schools, sanitation, and health care facilities. Educational and community-based initiatives can encourage health and wellness by educating communities about the dangers EVD poses to their lives and well-being.

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