‘We have a role to play:’ American Sierra Leoneans communicating the impact of the Ebola virus locally and across the diaspora

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine New Jersey Sierra Leoneans' experiences, perceptions, and knowledge about the Ebola outbreak to better understand how to serve diaspora communities during disease outbreaks and improve international community engagement efforts. Study design: Five focus groups were conducted with a total of 34 members of a New Jersey Sierra Leonean community. A short demographic survey was also administered. Methods: Focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed, and then analyzed using QSR NVIVO. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Major themes emerged from the focus groups as related to the Ebola outbreak: (1) stigma and discrimination; (2) psycho-socio-economic impact; and (3) public health communication challenges. Conclusions: Novel findings reveal the impact of the Ebola virus on a West African diaspora community in the United States. These findings also advance existing literature. Diaspora communities are an underutilized resource in international disease education, management and prevention outreach research. It is vital that health professionals begin to find effective ways to fold them into relief efforts.