Publication date: Sep 22, 2023

Although previous studies have shown a high prevalence of mental health problems among adult Ebola virus disease survivors, no studies have yet been conducted on mental health problems among children and adolescents in affected regions. Consequently, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescent survivors and orphans by utilizing a cross-sectional survey following the 2018-2020 epidemic in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. A total of 146 survivors (mean age = 13. 62, standard deviation [SD] = 2. 50, 49. 32% female), 233 orphans (mean age = 13. 18, SD = 2. 96, 53. 32% female), and 34 orphan-survivor participants (mean age = 13. 39, SD = 2. 87, 44. 12% female) were recruited. Participants completed measures assessing depression and PTSD symptoms, traumatic experiences, and stigma related to Ebola and COVID-19. The prevalence of depression and PTSD symptoms was 87. 32% and 44. 42%, respectively. Results showed significant differences in depression and PTSD symptoms between orphan-survivors (100% and 97. 06%), survivors (90. 21% and 75. 86%), and orphans (83. 48% and 16. 52%; χ(2) = 9. 02; p = .011 and χ(2) = 168. 85; p < .001). Experience of traumatic events, Ebola stigmatization, and COVID-19 stigmatization positively predicted depression and PTSD symptoms. The regression models explained 61%-72% of the variance of depression and PTSD. The results reveal that the Ebola virus disease and its associated grief severely jeopardize the mental health of children and adolescents in affected regions. Despite the relative paucity of resources, intervention programs may be helpful to minimize associated stigma and promote psychological support.

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