Vaccines (Feb 2021)

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Survey

  • John D. Ditekemena,
  • Dalau M. Nkamba,
  • Armand Mutwadi,
  • Hypolite M. Mavoko,
  • Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo,
  • Christophe Luhata,
  • Michael Obimpeh,
  • Stijn Van Hees,
  • Jean B. Nachega,
  • Robert Colebunders

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9020153
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 2
p. 153

Abstract

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We investigated the level of willingness for COVID-19 vaccination in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Data were collected between 24 August 2020 and 8 September 2020 through an online survey. A total of 4131 responses were included; mean age of respondents was 35 years (standard deviation: 11.5); 68.4% were females; 71% had elementary or secondary school education. One fourth (24.1%) were convinced that COVID-19 did not exist. Overall, 2310 (55.9%) indicated they were willing to be vaccinated. In a multivariable regression model, belonging to the middle and high-income category (OR = 1.85, CI: 1.46–2.35 and OR = 2.91, CI: 2.15–3.93, respectively), being tested for COVID-19 (OR = 4.71, CI: 3.62–6.12; p p = 0.001) and acknowledging the existence of COVID-19 (OR = 6.04, CI: 4.42–8.23; p p < 0.001). In conclusion, the current willingness for COVID-19 vaccination among citizens of the DRC is too low to dramatically decrease community transmission. Of great concern is the low intention of immunization among healthcare workers. A large sensitization campaign will be needed to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

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