Abstract:
Background
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a condition with high fatality. Though the disease is deadly,
taking precautions to reduce contact with infected people and their secretions can prevent
cross- infection. In the 2014 EVD outbreak, socio-cultural factors were identified to be
responsible for the spread of the disease in the three most affected countries in West Africa.
In this light, we undertook this study to identify socio-cultural factors that may influence the
prevention and containment of EVD in Ghana and ways to address such practices.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive qualitative study in five regions in Ghana. Twenty-five focus
group discussions (5 in each region) with community members (4 in each region) and
nurses (1 in each region) were conducted. In addition, forty (40) in-depth interviews were
conducted with various stakeholders and opinion leaders; eight in each region. All interviews
were recorded using a digital voice recorder and transcribed. With the aid of Nvivo 10
for windows, we analyzed the data using framework analysis.
Results
We found that socio-cultural practices, such as care of the body of dead and burial practices,
widowhood rites and anointing children with water used to rinse the dead, were common.
These practices require individuals coming into direct contact with either the dead or
items used to take care of the dead. Social norms also require frequent handshakes in all
social gatherings such as funeral, and religious congregations. We also found that selfmedication
(using herbs and orthodox medications) was a common practice. People useboth biomedical and non-orthodox health outlets either simultaneously or in sequence in
times of ill-health.
Conclusion
The study concludes that high risk socio-cultural practices were common among Ghanaians
and generally perceived as indispensable. These high risk practices may hinder containment
efforts in the event of an outbreak. Community leaders should be engaged in any
social mobilization to modify these practices as part of preparation efforts.
