# The Impact of Ebola Infection on Demographic and Social Outcomes in Sierra Leone

> **NIH NIH R21** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $156,096

## Abstract

Project Summary:
The limited body of research on Ebola suggests that, among survivors and their families, there
are substantial impacts of infection on social and demographic outcomes, yet little is known
about this topic. The 2014-15 Ebola epidemic was by far the most severe in history, with over
28,000 reported cases in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and more than 10,000 survivors.
Among survivors, the impact of Ebola infection extended beyond just physical health; the
consequences range from the psychological (depression, anxiety, guilt) to demographic and
social (marital dissolution, migration, stigma), many of which are likely to be long-lasting.
However, to date, very little research has examined the impact of Ebola on social and
demographic outcomes- both for survivors, as well as their families- and the existing research
has important limitations. The vast majority of research on social and demographic impacts of
Ebola infection is qualitative and uses convenience samples. Several topics have not been
examined, like the longer-term impacts of Ebola infection, factors promoting recovery and
resilience after infection among survivors, and indirect impact of Ebola infection on households.
This proposed research will be the first population-based quantitative study on the impacts of
Ebola infection on social and demographic outcomes. We seek to collect data for three
populations in Sierra Leone: individuals who (1) were infected with Ebola but survived (the
infected), (2) had a household member who died from Ebola (the affected), and (3) were neither
infected or had a household member die from Ebola infection (neither infected nor affected).
The Specific Aims for this study therefore include: SA #1: To examine the consequences of
Ebola infection on demographic and social outcomes, such as marriage, fertility, migration, and
mental and physical health; and social outcomes, such as views towards health facilities,
perceptions of mortality, social interactions and networks. To accomplish this goal, we will
compare these outcomes between Ebola survivors and those who were not infected in the same
communities in Sierra Leone, while controlling for characteristics that differ between these
groups and may impact the outcomes of interest. SA #2: Among Ebola survivors, to identify
coping mechanisms that promoted resilience and recovery after Ebola infection. Among Ebola
survivors, we will identify those who more effectively recovered from Ebola, and identify
characteristics that are associated with effective recovery. Several aspects of recovery will be
measured, including health and well-being, economic status, and social capital. SA #3: To
measure the indirect impacts of Ebola infection on households and families. To do so, we will
compare sociodemographic outcomes between households affected by Ebola and those who
were neither infected nor affected by Ebola.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10019412
- **Project number:** 5R21HD098504-02
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Philip Anthony Anglewicz
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $156,096
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-16 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10019412

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10019412, The Impact of Ebola Infection on Demographic and Social Outcomes in Sierra Leone (5R21HD098504-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10019412. Licensed CC0.

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