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Psychological distress among adults from the urban and rural areas affected by the Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is associated with high anxiety and multiple bereavement that can induce severe psychological distress (SPD) in individuals living in affected communities. Using data from the EVD and Mental Health project (EboMH), this study assessed the prevalence and determinants of SPD symptoms in a representative sample of adults in communities affected by EVD.

Methods

A representative sample of 1614 adults (50% women) aged 18–85 years completed measures assessing exposure level to EVD, stigmatization related to EVD, and psychological distress.

Results

In total, 45.58% of individuals from the cities and villages affected by EVD reported SPD. Results showed significant differences for residence area, employment, age, education level, and religion, but not for gender. Exposure level to EVD (β = 0.11, p < 0.001; OR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.08–1.16]), stigmatization related to EVD (β = 0.06, p < 0.001; OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.05–1.07]), and living in rural areas (β = 0.67, p < 0.001; OR = .51, 95% CI [.36–.72]) predicted SPD symptoms.

Conclusions

Evidence-based global mental health programs in high-risk mortality epidemic contexts should take into account the high psychological distress in the affected areas.

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Acknowledgements

This article was supported by the Grant # 108968 from the International Development Research Center (IDRC), in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology (Clinical), University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques-Lussier, 4017, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada

    Jude Mary Cénat, Sara- Emilie McIntee & Mireille Guerrier

  2. Laboratory of Psychology Psy-DREPI (EA 7458), Université Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France

    Daniel Derivois

  3. Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    Cécile Rousseau & Oléa Makila-Balayulu

  4. School of Industrial Relations, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada

    Rose Darly Dalexis

  5. Department of Psychology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Jacqueline Bukaka & Oléa Makila-Balayulu

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  1. Jude Mary Cénat
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  2. Sara- Emilie McIntee
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  3. Mireille Guerrier
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Correspondence to Jude Mary Cénat.

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Cénat, J.M., McIntee, S.E., Guerrier, M. et al. Psychological distress among adults from the urban and rural areas affected by the Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 56, 57–62 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-01904-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-01904-x

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