Barriers and facilitators to healthcare facility utilization by non-Ebola patients during the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak occurred in North Kivu between 2018 and 2020. This eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo was also grappling with insecurity caused by several armed groups. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to utilizing Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) by non-Ebola patients during the crisis.

Methods

A qualitative case study was conducted in Beni and Butembo with 24 relatives of 15 deceased non-EVD patients, 47 key informants from healthcare workers (HCWs), as well as community leaders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore three key areas: (i) the participants' illness history, care pathway, care, and social support; (ii) their perceptions of how EVD affected the care outcome; and (iii) their

SUBMITTER: Kyomba GK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11575170 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature