Social mobilization, education, and prevention of the Ebola virus disease: A scoping review

Abstract

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) remains a global public health concern with multiple outbreaks over the last five years. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the current state of knowledge on awareness, education, and community mobilization programs on EVD prevention. A comprehensive search strategy was executed in October 2021 across eight databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, Global Health, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science). According to the PRISMA flow diagram, out of the 4815 studies generated by the search, 33 were retained for extraction and were included in this scoping review. Findings revealed that cultural practices that increased the risk of Ebola transmission remain very prevalent, even educational and awareness campaigns. Levels of Ebola-related knowledge by community members varied widely. A large proportion of the Ebola-affected populations were not aware of modes of transmission and half were unaware of signs and symptoms. Interventions with deep community mobilization, collaboration and engagement were effective in changing cultural practices, and reducing rates of infection. Interventions in the health sector helped increase willingness to practice preventive methods and the maintenance of social distancing and patient handwashing. A majority of the population members received their information about EVD from the community and mass media (in most instances, through broadcasting stations). Community interventions with a collaborative approach are effective to prevent EVD. It is needed to build trust between communities and health care, but also to use local resources and cultural factors combined with the use of technologies of information to prevent EVD.

Keywords: Ebola virus disease; Ebola-related knowledge; Education; Prevention; Social mobilization.