DETERMINANTS OF COVID-19 AND MPOX VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN KINSHASA PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Abstract

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, vaccine hesitancy is one of the top 10 threats to global health. Health workers (HWs) are essential to epidemic preparedness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but vaccination rates are still low. This study compared the factors that influence health workers' reluctance to get the Mpox and COVID-19 vaccines in Kinshasa Province using the 5C framework and looked at how they relate to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 403 HWs across two health districts, Maluku I and Lingwala, representing rural and urban regions respectively was used. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to analyze data on sociodemographics, information sources, IPC practices, and 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination. Results: The findings revealed that hesitancy was higher for COVID-19 (73%) compared to Mpox (47%). For both vaccines, confidence and complacency were significant barriers, influenced by skepticism regarding vaccine safety, fear about side effects, and a diminished perception of risk. However, notable differences were observed. Physicians exhibited considerably greater hesitancy regarding COVID-19 compared to nurses, while no significant variation by health worker category was observed hesitancy towards Mpox. Dependence on international mass media was associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, whereas national media promoted acceptance. Regardless of stance on vaccination, the majority of health workers in this study acknowledged the significance of IPC measures, indicating that social responsibility, perceived risk and trust influence vaccine acceptance in Kinshasa more so than general preventive attitude. Conclusion: In the face of emerging diseases like Mpox and COVID-19, addressing factors that determine vaccine hesitancy among HWs through targeted communication and integrated approaches to improve vaccine uptake can strengthen future pandemic preparedness and endemic disease management, positioning HWs as core drivers of vaccination strategies that reinforce health systems and protect communities.