Systems theory analysis of Ebola virus disease and nursing needs in the West African Sub-Region

ABSTRACT

The outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the West African Sub-Region and its spread occurred through a vast array of epidemic management misinterpretations, challenges, and channels. This discussion paper however engages these issues within the context of balancing cultural imperatives and health standards. Data sources (archival sources – newspaper reviews: July 2014–January 2015; and academic literature) were theoretically and methodological engaged. The aim of the paper was to establish that social systems thrive through a subsystem of exchange. Hence, it was ascertained that through biological and social exchange, Ebola is capable of causing social systems breakdown and death. The paper concludes that the lower degree of permeability present in the Nigerian social system, which is a function of multiple factors, related to space, time, and technology accounted for the outcome of management, control, and containment of the EVD in Nigeria West Africa. The implication of these vis-à-vis the nursing practice and profession was documented to reflect the health system and its extent of functionality.

KEYWORDS:

• Community
• Ebola
• exchange
• nursing practice
• systems theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Obatunde Bright Adetola is an Associate Professor of Sociology with a bias in Development, Health and Gender studies.

Isaac A. Adedeji is a Lecturer of Medical Sociology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.

Omolara Popoola is a Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.