Psychological experience of Chinese nurses during China’s anti-ebola aid in liberia: A qualitative interview / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the psychological experience of Chinese nurses working in Liberia during the aid to fight against Ebola virus disease, so as to lay a foundation for future similar missions. Methods We conducted a qualitative interview study with 11 Chinese nurses who helped to fight against Ebola virus disease in Liberia by semi-structured interview, and then the data collected were analyzed. Results Analysis showed that the psychological experience of Chinese nurses in Liberia could be divided into 4 stages. Stage one was from being informed of the aid mission to going aboard to Liberia, with the psychological experience being panic and having anxiety. Stage two was the first 2 weeks of working in Chinese Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) in Liberia, with the psychological experience being lost, sad and having anxiety. Stage three was from the third week of working in ETU to before going back to China, with the psychological experience being attached and emotional. And stage four was the quarantine period in China, with the psychological experience being prevailing loneliness. Conclusion Efforts should be made to support, to train and to guide the nurses who work in situations like Ebola according to their psychology in different stages. And the nurses should have an active attitude, improve understanding of Ebola disease, and ensure safe selfprotection during work.