Risk perception during the 2014\u20132015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone

Maike Winters,Zangin Zeebari,Paul Sengeh,Mohamed F Jalloh,Mohammad B Jalloh,Helena Nordenstedt

doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09648-8

Abstract

BackgroundPerceived susceptibility to a disease threat (risk perception) can influence protective behaviour. This study aims to determine how exposure to information sources, knowledge and behaviours potentially influenced risk perceptions during the 2014–2015 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Sierra Leone.MethodsThe study is based on three cross-sectional, national surveys (August 2014, n = 1413; October 2014, n = 2086; December 2014, n = 3540) that measured Ebola-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Sierra Leone. Data were pooled and composite variables were created for knowledge, misconceptions and three Ebola-specific behaviours. Risk perception was measured using a Likert-item and dichotomised into ‘no risk perception’ and ‘some risk perception’. Exposure to five information sources was dichotomised into a binary variable for exposed and unexposed. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to examine various associations.ResultsExposure to new media (e.g. internet) and community-level information sources (e.g. religious leaders) were positively associated with expressing risk perception. Ebola-specific knowledge and hand washing were positively associated with expressing risk perception (Adjusted OR [AOR] 1.4, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.2–1.8 and AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7 respectively), whereas misconceptions and avoiding burials were negatively associated with risk perception, (AOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.8 and AOR 0.8, 95% CI 06–1.0, respectively).ConclusionsOur results illustrate the complexity of how individuals perceived their Ebola acquisition risk based on the way they received information, what they knew about Ebola, and actions they took to protect themselves. Community-level information sources may help to align the public’s perceived risk with their actual epidemiological risk. As part of global health security efforts, increased investments are needed for community-level engagements that allow for two-way communication during health emergencies.

Highlights

IntroductionPerceived susceptibility to a disease threat (risk perception) can influence protective behaviour
Perceived susceptibility to a disease threat can influence protective behaviour
Secondary education was attained by 52% of respondents, and the highest education attainment was reported from the Western Area, with 68% of the respondents attaining secondary education or higher levels

Summary

Introduction

Perceived susceptibility to a disease threat (risk perception) can influence protective behaviour. This study aims to determine how exposure to information sources, knowledge and behaviours potentially influenced risk perceptions during the 2014–2015 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Sierra Leone. The outbreak spread to neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone [2]. Worry and perception of Ebola risk spread across the globe despite the majority of cases occurring in West Africa. The few Ebola cases that occurred in Europe and the United States might have exacerbated the risk perception in places where there was virtually no transmission risk [2]. In Ghana, closer to the actual epicentre of the Ebola epidemic, a majority of 62% of survey respondents in the Greater Accra Region reported that they did not feel at risk of contracting Ebola [6]

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