Assessment of How the 2014-16 Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic Influenced the Lives of West African Survivors Now Residing in Victoria – Australia

Abstract

Background: The 2014-16 Ebola virus disease epidemic negatively influenced the lives of survivors, thus necessitating further evaluation of their mental health. Community lockdowns during the EVD epidemic caused feelings like fear, anxiety, worry, and dark memories of events. Objective: To study the influence of the EVD epidemic (2014-2016) on West African survivors residing in Victoria, Australia. Methods and Materials: Survey questionnaire comprising textual open-ended questions which was followed by semi structured interview questions (see Table 1) were used to evaluate the phenomenon of interest among West Africans residing in Victoria, Australia. A five-stage qualitative data analysis was utilized for both datasets. Interviews were transcribed electronically verbatim.  Textual data were given 1-2 digits numerical codes, and semi-structured interview data were assigned 3 digits codes. Results: Among the 36 participants, 53% were women, and the age range of most participants, was 18-40 years. Additionally, nine individuals participated in the interviews. Most had high school qualifications obtained in West Africa and/or Australia and were employed. Experiences included life changes, fear, nightmares, prayers for divine interventions, and embracing Infection Prevention Control measures. Conclusion: Participants freely embraced IPC and beliefs in divine interventions in the midst of fear and anxiety among participants.