Acceptability of Immunization against COVID-19 by the Populations of the Kasenga State Health Area in the Uvira Health Zone, DR Congo

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 was an emerging disease putting all public health systems in countries around the world in a state of emergency. To be able to prevent its spread and morbidity and mortality, several appropriate strategies were necessary, such as vaccination. The latter has been the subject of controversy. The objective of the present study is therefore to evaluate the factors associated with the acceptance of this vaccine within the population of the Kasenga State Health Area. A result which will shed light on future strategies to be put in place for possible new vaccines. Methodology: Is a prospective and analytical cross-sectional study conducted over a period of approximately 1 month from January 5 to February 5, 2024. A survey questionnaire in Kobotoolbox was useful for collecting data. STATA software was very important for us in analyzing the data collected. Results: Prevalence of vaccination against COVID-19 among the population of the Kasenga State Health Area is 37.5% (28.4 - 45.6). The study revealed that reluctance is observed among most of the population for different reasons, including, first and foremost, the deliberate aspect of not wanting to take the vaccine (46.6%) and rumors that this antigen is dangerous and harmful (32.9%). 72.5% of respondents believe that the COVID-19 vaccine is a fabrication, unhealthy and that the disease itself never existed. The study proved that there was a statistical relationship between age (p = 0.001) and adherence to vaccination. And the refusal of respondents to recommend the vaccine to loved ones was a factor associated with non-adherence to vaccination (OR = 7.901, 95% IC [3.028 - 20.615], p = 0.000). Conclusion: Vaccination against COVID-19 was not well accepted by the population of the study site. Raising public awareness and involving community leaders and political-administrative authorities, which has not been done well, would play an important role in the good perception of the disease, of the vaccine and therefore in its adherence.