TITLE:
Exploring the Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine among Health Zone Nurse Supervisors Involved in the Active Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Health Belief Model-Based Survey
AUTHORS:
Muriel Nzazi Nsambu, Levis Bolekola, Marcellin Nimpa Mengouo, Léon Kinuani Mbulu, Joris Losimba Likwela
KEYWORDS:
Vaccine Acceptance, COVID-19, Health Belief Model, Healthcare Workers, Democratic Republic of the Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccination as a preventive tool. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), uptake of vaccination remains low, particularly in a context of mistrust and misinformation. This study aims to assess the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among nurse supervisors involved in adverse effects following immunization (AEFI) surveillance in Kinshasa. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2021 among 36 nurse supervisors (NS) from Kinshasa’s 35 health zones (HZ), namely each NS assigned to monitor adverse events related to the COVID-19 vaccine in the HZ as well as the focal point for this activity at the provincial coordination level of the expanded programme on immunization. Data was collected using a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. Statistical analyses were performed with STATA/IC 16, using non-parametric tests to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Results: The vaccination rate was 80.6%. All participants aged 55 and over were vaccinated. Perceived severity of COVID-19 was high, while perceived individual susceptibility was not significantly associated with vaccination. The main motivations for vaccination included perceived safety (24.1%), efficacy (17.2%) and WHO recommendations (17.2%). Preventive practices were not correlated with vaccination. Conclusion: Despite their key role in monitoring side effects, some nurse supervisors remain hesitant about the vaccine. The study revealed a high level of acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among nurse supervisors in Kinshasa, influenced by their perception of the severity of the disease and institutional recommendations. The active involvement of healthcare professionals in surveillance and communication mechanisms appears to be a strategic lever for boosting vaccine confidence.