As the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the greater public health community is working towards understanding the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health outcomes. The current study aims to assess the mental health effects of COVID-19 in Monrovia, Liberia in the context of a population previously exposed to violent and traumatic war-related events that ended in 2003, as well as to a recent Ebola epidemic in 2014-15. The coastal capital of Monrovia has the highest population density in Liberia, with an estimated 58% of the population living in the capital city. An additional 40% of the rural population live in the immediate areas around the capital city. The current study will assess psychological distress and functional impairment among the general population of Liberian adults ages 18 years+ located in and around the greater Monrovia area. Findings from this study may inform future prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for mental illness in Liberia and similar post-conflict settings.

Partner: University of Liberia A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine

Lead Investigators: Drs. Benjamin Harris and David C. Henderson