A Mixed-Method Study of Aid Workers in Sierra Leone during the 2014-2015 Ebola Epidemic| Exploring Psychological Distress, Trauma, Resilience, and Coping

• Main Author: Colorado, Eileen Ellsworth
• Language: EN
• Published: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 2018
• Subjects: African studies|Clinical psychology|Health education
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10743390

<p> Sierra Leone suffered the worst Ebola outbreak in history. This is a study of Sierra Leone aid workers during the 2014&ndash;2015 Ebola epidemic using the mixed-method concurrent nested model. Data collection consisted of 4 quantitative surveys (BSI, PDS-5, CD-RISC, and CSI), demographic information sheet, and qualitative semi-structured interviews. The findings show 53% met the criteria for psychological distress indicated by the BSI and 40% met the criteria for PTSD indicated by PDS-5. The highest score on CD-RICS resilience questionnaire indicated a belief that God can help them. The CSI revealed 15% of the participants used wishful thinking, social support, problem-solving, and cognitive restructuring coping strategies. Sociocultural factors showed significant impact on NAWs during the Ebola epidemic The qualitative themes that emerged in the responses of the participants included psychological distress, trauma, coping, resilience, economic factors, social structure shift, social factors, basic needs, community support, infrastructure, and changing cultural practices.</p><p>