Strongest Memories of the 2014-16 EVD Epidemic and COVID-19 Pandemic Events among West African Survivors based in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Background: Memories of outbreaks such as the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and COVID-19 are challenging for survivors. Actions such as lockdowns exacerbate mental health conditions leading to post traumatic stress disorder. These outbreaks left lasting psychological effects on survivors Objective: To study the strongest memories of experiences during EVD epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic on West Africans who live in Victoria. Methods: A Sequential exploratory mixed methods research was used to explore the phenomenon among 35 participants utilising a survey questionnaire, additionally 9 participants were interviewed. A descriptive quantitative analysis was utilised for closed-ended questions and the five stages of qualitative data analysis was embraced for both textual and interview data. The results from this mixed methods study were integrated and thematically reported. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Participants should be 18 or over and was in a 2014-16 Ebola epidemic affected country and at the time for data collection was based in Victoria-Australia. Results: The death of relatives during the EVD epidemic represented 69% of the respondents. Similarly, 69% indicated that family/ friends were affected by the COVID-19 but survived. Additionally, 6% and 15% of participants were infected with the EVD and COVID-19 respectively. Interviews reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder including fear, depression, altered sleep patterns during both infectious outbreaks. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of continuous evaluation of the mental health of survivors who are continuously challenged by the memory of these EVD and COVID-19 events. Findings from this study can be utilised in designing intervention programmes for people that have gone through various sequential traumas.