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

• Published in: Tropical medicine & international health 2019-06, Vol.24 (6), p.671-691
• Main Authors: James, P. B., Wardle, J., Steel, A., Adams, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Addictions; Anxiety; Communities; Complications; Coping; coping mechanisms; Correlation analysis; Discrimination; Ebola; Ebola survivors; Ebola virus; Ebolavirus; expériences psychosociales; Literature searches; Longitudinal studies; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental health; mécanismes d'adaptation; Outbreaks; psychosocial experiences; Religion; Survival; survivants d'Ebola; Viral diseases; Viruses
• ISSN: 1360-2276; 1365-3156
• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13226

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. Objectif Une myriade de séquelles physiques et psychosociales a été rapportée parmi les survivants d'Ebola lors des épidémies précédentes de la maladie du virus Ebola (MVE) et dans la plus récente en Afrique de l'Ouest. Cette revue examine les différentes formes de détresse psychologique vécue par les survivants de la MVE, les réactions de la famille et de la communauté à l’égard des survivants de la MVE et leurs mécanismes d'adaptation. Méthodes Nous avons effectué une recherche de la littérature dans des articles originaux en utilisant les bases de données Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO host academic search complete, PsycINFO (EBSCO) et Embase. Résultats Notre recherche a identifié 1.890 articles dont 24 répondaient aux critères d'inclusion. Diverses formes de détresse psycholo