Assessing the Impact of Ebola Health Campaigns in Senegal, West Africa

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-12The magnitude of the 2013-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak demonstrates the importance of minimizing exposure risks and understanding the drivers that influence behavioral change. This study assessed the impact of multiple health visits by non-governmental organizations and the ministry of health on behavioral change in rural villages peripheral to Ebola infected zones. Randomized surveys in seven rural villages in southeastern Senegal were used to collect data on 100 adults’ knowledge and response to Ebola health trainings. Individuals who experienced multiple health visits were less likely to adopt preventive behavioral changes in some regions. Locational differences affected individuals’ likelihood of adopting behaviors related to hygiene and bushmeat practices. Multiple health visits were ineffective in increasing protective behavioral change. These results will assist in the assessment of the adequacy of Ebola health campaigns and provide insight in designing future behavioral change interventions to thwart pathogen transmission and prevent future outbreaks