# Risk behaviour associated with contracting the Ebola virus at funerals: a study of Liberians attending the funerals of individuals deceased from Ebola

## TL;DR

This study explores risky behaviors during funerals in Liberia that contributed to the spread of Ebola, emphasizing the role of cultural practices.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific high-risk behaviors and demographic factors associated with Ebola transmission during funerals in Liberia.

## Key findings

- 29.5% of participants engaged in high-risk behaviors like kissing the deceased without gloves.
- Christians were more likely to engage in risky behaviors compared to Muslims.
- Cultural traditions significantly influence the spread of Ebola during funeral practices.

## Abstract

Funeral practices were identified as a significant source of Ebola transmission during the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak. This study investigated behaviours and contributing factors leading to Ebola exposure during funerals in Montserrado County, Liberia.

In 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted using face-to-face interviews with 200 participants (mean age:51 years; 69.5% male) from Clara Town and Vai Town with family members of EVD victims and community leaders in Clara Town and Vai Town.

High-risk behaviour, defined as kissing or touching the deceased without gloves, was reported by 29.5% of participants. In unadjusted analysis, males (COR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.14–5.03), the Kpelle tribe (COR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.66–6.05), Christians (COR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.42–5.09), and community leaders (COR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.23–4.32) were more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours. In multivariate analysis, only religion remained independently associated; Christians were more likely than Muslims to engage in such behaviours (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.40–5.18).

Kissing the deceased was the main risk behaviour. The study highlights the influence of cultural traditions on Ebola spread and calls for culturally sensitive prevention strategies.