TITLE:
Analysis of the COVID-19 Vaccine Infodemic and Predictive Factors of Vaccination Status in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Jöel Lamika Kalabudi, Chadrack Kabeya Diyoka, Criss Koba Mjumbe
KEYWORDS:
Infodemic, COVID-19 Vaccines, Vaccination Status, Predictive Factors, Lubumbashi
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.9,
September
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Objectives: To analyze vaccine infodemics during the COVID-19 pandemic and the predictive factors of vaccination status among young people aged 16 to 25, active people aged 26 to 65, and older people over 65 in the city of Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Design: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the city of Lubumbashi from 3rd to 13th December 2022. Participants: The present study focuses on two distinct types of participants: the head of household and, in the absence of the head of household, a person aged ≥ 16 who has resided in the household for a minimum of six months. Main Outcome Measure: COVID-19 vaccine infodemic and predictive factors of vaccination status in Lubumbashi. Results: The dissemination of misinformation regarding vaccines was also reported, with participants expressing concerns about the efficacy, potential risks, and safety of the vaccines, as well as allegations of commercial and political motives behind their distribution. Furthermore, a significant proportion of the sample had not received the vaccination, with 29.78% of the sample having received the vaccine, compared to 70.22% who had not. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as marital status, religious affiliation, and confidence in scientific authorities were significant predictors of vaccination status. Conclusion: The infodemia analysis demonstrates the alarming level of health literacy deficiency among the Lushoise population. A minority of the participants in our study had been vaccinated, suggesting a need for greater recognition of the threat posed by infodemia. It is imperative that awareness-raising campaigns and CREC strategies for future emerging infectious diseases, or the introduction of a vaccine for the novel coronavirus into the vaccination schedule, focus on the predictive factors reported.