Living under the threat of Ebola : a phenomenological study

Abstract

This study articulates the phenomenon of living under a constant threat of Ebola haemorrhagic fever, including what people’s reactions towards individuals and families affected by the illness symbolizes as well as the meanings ascribed to Ebola. The study was conducted in Kibale district in Midwestern Uganda to aid understanding of the human aspects of Ebola which has continued to result in widespread fear and anxiety, thereby creating challenges for affected individuals, families and health care professionals. A phenomenological inquiry was undertaken using Wertz’s (1983, 2005, 2011) empirical psychological reflection approach for data analysis, after utilizing purposive, convenience and criterion sampling techniques to select twelve (12) adult survivors and caregivers who anticipated, experienced and survived the outbreak and were in good health and also willing to take part in the study. Data were generated using in-depth qualitative interviews and the interviews continued until data redundancy was reached. The interview proceedings were digitally audio-recorded in addition to taking field notes and these were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis occurred at idiographic and nomothetic levels according to the principles of Wertz’s empirical psychological reflection. Thematic analysis of the research data revealed seven (7) themes, namely:  Living under constant threat of Ebola  Nature of Ebola experience: unique and general meanings  Surviving Ebola: physical, psychological, social, spiritual and economic implications on survivors  Caring for Ebola patients: social and psychological implications  Public reaction toward persons affected by Ebola  Social-cultural beliefs and practices related to Ebola  Coping with and living in the aftermath of Ebola outbreaks Adaptation emerged as the single most encompassing and accommodating concept that united the various themes, categories and sub-categories. It further grounded survivors’, caregivers’ and community’s experience of anticipating, experiencing and coping with challenges associated with Ebola. The findings add substantial knowledge about how survivors and caregivers experience Ebola outbreaks. Important recommendations are made and guidelines that may be used to increase survivors’, caregivers’ as well as the community’s resilience to challenges of future Ebola outbreaks are suggested.