Peter Bai James1, Jon Wardle2, Amie Steel3, Jon Adams3. 1. Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone. Electronic address: Peter.B.James@student.uts.edu.au. 2. Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Sydney, Australia; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia. 3. Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: and Purpose: This study explores Ebola survivors' healthcare-seeking experiences within the context of Sierra Leone's free healthcare initiative (FHCI) and comprehensive package for Ebola survivors (CPES) program while also exploring the enablers and barriers to their use of informal healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed an inductive, exploratory qualitative approach using focus group discussion with 41 adults Ebola survivors in the four administrative regions of Sierra Leone. RESULTS: Biomedical care was the first choice of treatment option for most survivors immediately following post-ETC discharge. Survivors' healthcare-seeking experience varies before and after their inclusion into FHCI and the establishment of the CPES program. Personal and health system factors influenced survivors' decision to seek multiple healthcare approaches, especially T&CM. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the determinants of Ebola survivors' healthcare-seeking experiences should be considered when developing and implementing programs aimed at improving the current health status of Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone.
BACKGROUND: and Purpose: This study explores Ebola survivors' healthcare-seeking experiences within the context of Sierra Leone's free healthcare initiative (FHCI) and comprehensive package for Ebola survivors (CPES) program while also exploring the enablers and barriers to their use of informal healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed an inductive, exploratory qualitative approach using focus group discussion with 41 adults Ebola survivors in the four administrative regions of Sierra Leone. RESULTS: Biomedical care was the first choice of treatment option for most survivors immediately following post-ETC discharge. Survivors' healthcare-seeking experience varies before and after their inclusion into FHCI and the establishment of the CPES program. Personal and health system factors influenced survivors' decision to seek multiple healthcare approaches, especially T&CM. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the determinants of Ebola survivors' healthcare-seeking experiences should be considered when developing and implementing programs aimed at improving the current health status of Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone.
Authors: Robert Kaba Alhassan; Jerry John Nutor; Aaron Asibi Abuosi; Agani Afaya; Solomon Salia Mohammed; Maxwel Ayindenaba Dalaba; Mustapha Immurana; Alfred Kwesi Manyeh; Desmond Klu; Matilda Aberese-Ako; Phidelia Theresa Doegah; Evelyn Acquah; Edward Nketiah-Amponsah; John Tampouri; Samuel Kaba Akoriyea; Paul Amuna; Evelyn Kokor Ansah; Margaret Gyapong; Seth Owusu-Agyei; John Owusu Gyapong Journal: SAGE Open Med Date: 2021-02-11
Authors: Peter Bai James; Jon Wardle; Razak M Gyasi; Amie Steel; Jon Adams; John Alimamy Kabba; Abdulai Jawo Bah; Michael Lahai; Eugene B Conteh Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2022-01-15 Impact factor: 3.186