Uptake of COVID‐19 Vaccines and Intention to Vaccinate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

Background and Aims: COVID-19 pandemic caused significant mortality and morbidity locally and globally. Vaccines were introduced as the most effective medical countermeasure against severe morbidity, hospitalization, and death. However, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and intention to vaccinate and associated factors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey with data collected from April to May 2022 through mobile phones in the DRC among 1075 persons. Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and Intention to vaccinate were the main outcome variables. Results: Of the participants, 89/1075 (8.3%) declared having received a full dose of the vaccine, and 38/1075 (3.4%) had received an incomplete dose. Results show that the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with being older (adjusted PR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.05-3.27), living outside of Kinshasa (adjusted PR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.24-2.53), perceiving the Ministry of Health as competent with regard to the COVID-19 response (adjusted PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.05-2.35), and identifying health workers as a source of information for COVID-19 (adjusted PR = 1.62; 95% CI: 2.34). Seven out of 10 respondents declared the intention to be vaccinated. Being female (adjusted PR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.75-0.92), having a high perception in the competence of the MOH staff on COVID-19 response (adjusted PR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.13-1.36), and trusting radio as a source of information for COVID-19 (adjusted PR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.02-1.22) were factors associated with the intention for COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: Biological factors (age and sex), perceiving the MOH as competent with regard to the COVID-19 and sources of COVID-19 information (radio and health workers) must be taken into account for the development of strategies to improve the uptake of these interventions for COVID-19 prevention and control.