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

Introduction 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. Methods 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. Results 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). Discussion 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.