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

James, PB; Wardle, J; Steel, A; Adams, J

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

James, PB

Wardle, J

Steel, A

Adams, J

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Tropical Medicine and International Health, 2019, 24 (6), pp. 671 - 691
Issue Date:: 2019-06-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	James, PB https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6373-5704	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Wardle, J https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8813-3542	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Steel, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6643-9444	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Adams, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-5717	en_US
dc.date.issued	2019-06-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Tropical Medicine and International Health, 2019, 24 (6), pp. 671 - 691	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1360-2276	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/131611
dc.description.abstract	© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Objective: A myriad of physical and psychosocial sequelae have been reported among Ebola survivors from previous Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks, including the most recent in West Africa. This review examines the various forms of psychological distress experienced by EVD survivors, family and community reactions to EVD survivors and EVD survivors’ coping mechanisms. Methods: We conducted a literature search of original articles employing Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO host academic search complete, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Embase databases. Results: Our search identified 1890 articles of which 24 met our inclusion criteria. Various forms of psychological distress were prevalent among EVD survivors including depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, flashbacks, sadness, worthlessness, substance addiction, suicidal tendencies and self-stigmatisation. Family and community responses to EVD survivors ranged from acceptance to rejection, isolation, stigmatisation and discrimination. EVD survivors’ coping strategies included engagement with religious faith, EVD survivors associations and involvement in EVD prevention and control interventions. Conclusion: Psychological distress, including that resulting from family and community stigma and discrimination, appears common among EVD survivors. Community-based mental health and psychosocial interventions integrated within a broader package of care for EVD survivors that also recognises the physical health challenges are required. Well-designed longitudinal studies can provide clear insights on the nature and trajectory of the psychosocial issues currently experienced by EVD survivors.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Tropical Medicine and International Health	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1111/tmi.13226	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Tropical Medicine	en_US
dc.title	Post-Ebola psychosocial experiences and coping mechanisms among Ebola survivors: a systematic review	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	6	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	24	en_US
utslib.for	1701 Psychology	en_US
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Public Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	6	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	24	en_US

Abstract:

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Objective: A myriad of physical and psychosocial sequelae have been reported among Ebola survivors from previous Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks, including the most recent in West Africa. This review examines the various forms of psychological distress experienced by EVD survivors, family and community reactions to EVD survivors and EVD survivors’ coping mechanisms. Methods: We conducted a literature search of original articles employing Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO host academic search complete, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Embase databases. Results: Our search identified 1890 articles of which 24 met our inclusion criteria. Various forms of psychological distress were prevalent among EVD survivors including depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, flashbacks, sadness, worthlessness, substance addiction, suicidal tendencies and self-stigmatisation. Family and community responses to EVD survivors ranged from acceptance to rejection, isolation, stigmatisation and discrimination. EVD survivors’ coping strategies included engagement with religious faith, EVD survivors associations and involvement in EVD prevention and control interventions. Conclusion: Psychological distress, including that resulting from family and community stigma and discrimination, appears common among EVD survivors. Community-based mental health and psychosocial interventions integrated within a broader package of care for EVD survivors that also recognises the physical health challenges are required. Well-designed longitudinal studies can provide clear insights on the nature and trajectory of the psychosocial issues currently experienced by EVD survivors.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/131611