TITLE:
Determinants of the Non-Integration of Vaccination Education in Paramedical Training: A Study in the Instituts Supérieurs des Techniques Médicales of Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Nestor Kankiesa Ngoyi, Francy Pembi Pembi, Jeanot Malu Nkumbi, Paul Bolengo Ekombola, Serge Muembo Kasongo, Jermie Toko, Augustin Makangu Tshitadi, Jean Doudou Kitengie Kankiesa, Emery Luzolo Kafinga, Guillaume Bina Bofio
KEYWORDS:
Vaccination, Vaccinology, Curriculum, Paramedical Training, ISTM, Democratic Republic of the Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.4,
April
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing infectious diseases and reducing mortality. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, vaccinology remains insufficiently integrated into the training curricula of health professionals. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Instituts Supérieurs des Techniques Médicales (ISTM)—Higher Institutes of Medical Techniques—in Kinshasa play a critical role in training healthcare providers involved in immunization programs. This study aimed to analyze the factors underlying the lack of integration of vaccination courses within ISTMs in Kinshasa. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2024 across eight ISTMs in the city of Kinshasa. The study included a sample of 555 participants, comprising final-year students, teaching staff, and administrative personnel. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through the KoboToolbox platform and supplemented by a documentary review of academic curricula. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test for bivariate analysis, and logistic regression to identify factors associated with the non-integration of vaccination courses. Results: Most participants were students (94.77%), with a mean age of 27 ± 6.44 years. The majority of respondents acknowledged the importance of vaccination education (99.28%) and supported the introduction of a dedicated course within training programs (81.8%). However, 70.3% reported that they had never received formal instruction on vaccination during their training. The main barriers to course integration included a lack of teaching resources (80.72%), insufficient teacher training (67.21%), and inadequate materials for practical sessions (54.05%). Multivariate analysis revealed that financial constraints (OR = 3.21; p = 0.007), lack of teacher training (OR = 4.31; p Conclusion: The absence of vaccination courses in ISTMs in Kinshasa is primarily driven by institutional, pedagogical, and technological constraints. Integrating a structured vaccinology module into paramedical curricula, alongside strengthening faculty capacity and improving teaching resources, could enhance the training of future healthcare professionals and improve the effectiveness of immunization programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.