ArticlePloS one2022
Social distancing, community stigma, and implications for psychological distress in the aftermath of Ebola virus disease.
Article in PloS one, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Effectiveness of stigma reduction interventions and outbreak response adaptations in infectious disease outbreaks: a systematic review.Frontiers in public health · 2026Pooled it
- Article
- Ebola Virus Disease and Pediatric Mental Health: Long-Term Mediating Effects of Caregiver Mental Health.Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry · 2026Article
- An hourglass model for conceptualising stigma in infectious disease outbreaks.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Extending mental health support to the survivors of Ebola virus disease by overcoming challenges.Germs · 2025Article
- Can China's national fitness policy contribute to achieving universal health? Analysis based on the three-dimensional framework.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
- Stigma among ebola disease survivors in Mubende and Kassanda districts, Central Uganda, 2022.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
- Prevalence and determinants of anxiety, depression and comorbid anxiety-depression symptoms among adolescents in Ebola-affected zones.BJPsych open · 2023Article
- Acceptability and feasibility of home and hospital follow-up in Burkina Faso and Guinea: A mixed-method study among patients of the COVID-19 Coverage-Africa clinical trial.PLOS global public health · 2023Article
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14 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundThe 2013-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic resulted in more infections and deaths than all prior outbreaks in the 40-year history of this virus combined. This study examines how experiences of EVD infection, and preventive measures such as social distancing, were linked to experiences of stigma and social exclusion among those reintegrating into their communities.
methodsKey informant interviews (n = 42) and focus group discussions (n = 27) were conducted in districts with a high prevalence of EVD and representing geographical and ethnic diversity (n = 228 participants). The final sample was composed of adults (52%) and children (48%) who were EVD-infected (46%) and -affected (42%) individuals, and community leaders (12%). Data were coded using a Grounded Theory approach informed by Thematic Content Analysis, and analyzed using NVivo. Interrater reliability was high, with Cohen's κ = 0.80 or higher.
findingsParticipants described two main sources of EVD-related stress: isolation from the community because of social distancing and other prevention measures such as quarantine, and stigma related to infected or affected status. Participants linked experiences of social isolation and stigma to significant distress and feelings of ostracization. These experiences were particularly pronounced among children. Sources of support included community reintegration over time, and formal community efforts to provide education and establish protection bylaws.
interpretationThis study found that social distancing and EVD-related stigma were each prominent sources of distress among participants. These results suggest that isolation because of infection, and the enduring stigmatization of infected individuals and their families, demand coordinated responses to prevent and mitigate additional psychosocial harm. Such responses should include close engagement with community leaders to combat misinformation and promote community reintegration.
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