# Long term stress and impairment in children and youth after an acute infectious disease outbreak: A longitudinal study of the social, familial and individual effects of Ebola viral disease (EVD)

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON COLLEGE · 2022 · $507,220

## Abstract

Project Abstract. The unprecedented 2013-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic
resulted in more infections and deaths than all prior outbreaks in the 40-year history of
this virus combined. Among the more than 28,000 people infected with EVD
approximately 21% were children under the age of 16, and more than 16,000 children lost
one or both parents during the outbreak. Prior research on chronic infectious diseases
such as HIV has demonstrated lasting health, social and psychosocial outcomes. Yet,
little is known about the long-term complications of EVD, or more generally, mental
health and psychosocial complications related to acute infectious disease outbreaks. Our
goals are to understand the physical and ecological effects on physical health, cognitive
and emotional development; and to inform development of interventions that will help
EVD-affected individuals achieve their full potential for healthy and productive lives.
This study is guided by three Specific Aims: AIM 1: Identify ecological factors
influencing processes of risk and resilience among EVD-infected, affected and unaffected
children. Children and youth, aged 7-17 years, will be studied from an established cohort
of EVD-infected (n=350), EVD–affected (n=350), and control (n=350) children in Sierra
Leone. We will evaluate two areas: (a) Family and community acceptance, and the
experience of disease stigma for those infected or affected by EVD; and (b) Psychosocial
adjustment of children and caregivers by examining mental health and adaptive attitudes
and behaviors. AIM 2: Identify differences in the physical health and functioning of
EVD-infected, affected and unaffected children over time. We will utilize validated
developmental assessment tools to identify differences among infected, affected, and
control children in markers of long-term stress: (a) cognitive health and development; (b)
physical health; and (c) stress presentation including collection of biomarker samples.
AIM 3: Strengthen the capacity of key organizations to conduct ongoing research on
vulnerable children and families' psychosocial well-being and physical health. We will
partner with Sustaining Health Systems and Kenema Government Hospital to strengthen
their capacities in two areas: (a) Identifying clinically significant symptomatology and
creating appropriate referral pathways to services; and (b) Improving diagnostic and
analytic capacity through training in research methodologies, and introduction of
critically needed diagnostic equipment and training in its use.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10434902
- **Project number:** 5R01HD096699-05
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas M. Crea
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $507,220
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-23 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10434902

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10434902, Long term stress and impairment in children and youth after an acute infectious disease outbreak: A longitudinal study of the social, familial and individual effects of Ebola viral disease (EVD) (5R01HD096699-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10434902. Licensed CC0.

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