Page 70 - GHES-2-2

Global Health Econ Sustain Attributes of Ebola epidemic in West Africa

virus transmission but also the spread of other infectious conducting similar studies in other regions that have
diseases such as COVID-19 and cholera. Assessment experienced Ebola outbreaks is advisable. Comparing
of infrastructure, current hand hygiene practices, and behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic factors
behaviors within communities are necessary to ensure across these regions may provide insights into the most
culturally appropriate and sustainable hand hygiene prevalent factors requiring attention. This understanding
strategies are implemented (WHO & UNICEF, 2021). could inform practices and procedures for infection
During the 2014 West African outbreak, local prevention and control, ultimately leading to a reduction
community leaders, including religious and traditional in virus transmission.
leaders, as well as representatives from local government, Acknowledgments
education, and health sectors, played pivotal roles in
improving community hand hygiene behaviors. Improving None.
access to basic hand hygiene infrastructure and supplies Funding
within communities (i.e., schools, community meeting
areas, and homes) and supporting and sustaining hand Authors declare no financial support and sources that
hygiene behavior should be an important priority for Ebola were used to perform the research, analysis, and/or article
virus disease preparedness and response efforts, given their publication.
cost-effectiveness in disease prevention (WHO & UNICEF,
2021). Increasing the capacity to produce and distribute Conflict of interest
locally made supplies, such as alcohol-based hand rub, and The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
improving access to running water within communities
will contribute to improved basic hand hygiene practices Author contributions
and behavior. Conceptualization: Laurasona Leigh, Jiunn-Jye Sheu
Furthermore, the development of standard operating Formal analysis: Laurasona Leigh, Jiunn-Jye Sheu
procedures for infection prevention and control, along Investigation: Laurasona Leigh
with adequate training on the preventive and protective Methodology: All authors
methods for healthcare workers, is crucial. Past outbreaks Writing – original draft: Laurasona Leigh
have shown that health-care workers face high mortality Writing – review & editing: Colleen Taylor, Jiunn-Jye Sheu
rates due to heightened exposure to the disease and limited
protective equipment and training. In addition, increased Ethics approval and consent to participate
government health expenditure within these communities The human subject protection protocol was reviewed and
can enhance the availability of resources and protective approved as an exemption by the Institutional Review
equipment against the disease. Addressing these health Board of the University of Toledo (No: 200599).
behavior factors can potentially reduce the mortality rate
associated with the Ebola virus. Consent for publication

5. Conclusion Not applicable.
The study identified behavioral, socioeconomic, and Availability of data
environmental factors that significantly contributed The data used in this study were sourced from reference
to the transmission of the Ebola virus. Factors such as Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services
high female unemployment, low literacy rates, lack of (LISGIS) (2009), Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-
handwashing facilities or soap availability, and limited Information Services (LISGIS), Ministry of Health and
health expenditure were found to increase the number of Social Welfare [Liberia], National AIDS Control Program
initial confirmed Ebola cases. In addition, higher numbers [Liberia], & ICF International Inc. (2014), National Bureau
of reported initial confirmed cases and households relying of Statistics (NBS) [Nigeria] (2012), National Bureau of
on outdoor sources for drinking water were associated Statistics (NBS) [Nigeria], Department for International
with confirmed Ebola deaths.
Development, UNICEF, & United Nations Population
Given the scarcity of studies examining the health Fund (UNFPA) (2013), National Population Commission
behavior factors that affect disease transmission, future (NPC), and ICF International (2014), Statistics Sierra
research in this area is recommended. Such studies should Leone (n.d.), Statistics Sierra Leone and UNICEF (2011),
explore additional potential determinants, particularly and Statistics Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and
focusing on cultural and behavioral factors. Furthermore, Sanitation [Sierra Leone] and ICF International (2014).

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2107