| Popis: |
ObjectivesTo understand the prevalence of mental health disorders in Ebola-affected communities and their association with condom use.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingBeni, Butembo and Katwa health zones, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).Participants223 adult Ebola survivors, 102 sexual partners and 74 comparison respondents.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use, suicidal ideation and attempts, stigma, condom use and sexual behaviour.ResultsMost respondents reported to be married, Christian, from the Nande ethnic group, and farmers/herders. Survivors met symptom criteria for depression at higher rates than partners (23.5% (95% CI 18.0 to 29.1) vs 5.7 (1.2 to 10.1); pConclusionsThe new outbreaks in both Guinea and DRC show Ebola remains in semen longer than previously known. Understanding and addressing condom non-use and updating condom use guidelines are necessary to protect against future Ebola outbreaks, especially among sexual partners who did not have similar access to health information regarding sexual transmission of Ebola. Mental health treatment and decreasing stigma in Ebola areas is a priority. |
