Misconceptions and Rumors about Ebola Virus Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Basilua Andre Muzembo, Ngangu Patrick Ntontolo, Nlandu Roger Ngatu, Januka Khatiwada, Tomoko Suzuki, Koji Wada, Kei Kitahara, Shunya Ikeda and Shin-Ichi Miyoshi
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Basilua Andre Muzembo: Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Ngangu Patrick Ntontolo: Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health, Protestant University of Congo, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nlandu Roger Ngatu: Department of Public Health, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki-cho 761-0793, Japan
Januka Khatiwada: Social Work Institute, Nakhu-4, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tomoko Suzuki: Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita 286-8686, Japan
Koji Wada: Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita 286-8686, Japan
Kei Kitahara: Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Shunya Ikeda: Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita 286-8686, Japan
Shin-Ichi Miyoshi: Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: We sought to summarize knowledge, misconceptions, beliefs, and practices about Ebola that might impede the control of Ebola outbreaks in Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (through May 2019) for publications reporting on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to Ebola in Africa. In total, 14 of 433 articles were included. Knowledge was evaluated in all 14 articles, and they all highlighted that there are misconceptions and risk behaviors during an Ebola outbreak. Some communities believed that Ebola spreads through the air, mosquito bites, malice from foreign doctors, witchcraft, and houseflies. Because patients believe that Ebola was caused by witchcraft, they sought help from traditional healers. Some people believed that Ebola could be prevented by bathing with salt or hot water. Burial practices where people touch Ebola-infected corpses were common, especially among Muslims. Discriminatory attitudes towards Ebola survivors or their families were also prevalent. Some Ebola survivors were not accepted back in their communities; the possibility of being ostracized from their neighborhoods was high and Ebola survivors had to lead a difficult social life. Most communities affected by Ebola need more comprehensive knowledge on Ebola. Efforts are needed to address misconceptions and risk behaviors surrounding Ebola for future outbreak preparedness in Africa.

Keywords: Ebola; knowledge; attitudes; practices; beliefs; misperceptions; rumors; sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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