Diminished Quality of Life among Women affected by Ebola

• Main Authors: Hanson, Jessi, Decosimo, Alexis, Quinn, Megan
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2016
• Subjects: Ebola; women; quality of life; Biostatistics and Epidemiology; Public Health
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/6867; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8122&context=etsu-works

This article analyzes data collected from Liberian women afflicted by the Ebola virus disease, survivors of the virus and noninfected persons living in Ebola-affected homes. This research is one of the first statistical analyses examining factors diminishing quality of life: negative experiences, stigma, and psychosocial symptoms among females affected by the virus after the outbreak. The research presents a thorough literature review, including research related to other infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, to inform the gap in studies on Ebola’s effects on quality of life. Women who are Ebola virus disease survivors demonstrate significant differences in stigma and psychosocial stress when compared to their female peers. This article attempts to broaden understanding of the conditions and mental health of women affected by Ebola.