Social Support Interventions for Pandemic Survivors Who Are Resident in Victoria, Australia

Background: The impacts of the 2014-16 Ebola Virus Disease epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic on West Africans who survived these events were dire and therefore required social support interventions to ease the pain.

Objective: To determine the levels of support which 2014-16 EVD survivors who are resident in Victoria received during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed methods research investigated this topic by utilising an online survey which comprised of quantitative questions. Nine interviews were conducted to collect more nuanced data which was analysed using the five stage qualitative data analysis.

Settings: This study was done in Victoria-Australia. Further information could be accessed in the published study protocol (Mandoh et al., 2024).

Result: Most of the 32 participants had 3-5 people to rely on (44%) and most showed interest and concerns a lot during the 2014-16 EVD epidemic (38%). But 56% found it difficult to get help during the 2014-16 EVD epidemic. Similarly, majority had 3-5 people to rely on during the 2019-23 COVID-19 pandemic and were interested and concerned (48%). But it was difficult to get help. Qualitative data showed that unlike during the EVD epidemic, participants received social supports during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Conclusion: Most of the participants were women whose age range was mainly 18-40 years. Thirty-two individuals participated in the quantitative questions, 9 volunteered to provide qualitative data through the semi structured interview. Despite the interest and concerns from people, it was difficult to get help.