Determinants Of Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Healthcare Workers In Oicha Health District, Democratic Republic Of Congo

Background: High rates of vaccination worldwide are required to establish herd immunity and stop the spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier for achieving this goal across different populations including Healthcare workers. The purpose of the study was to identify key determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in the health district of Oicha, in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The results shall inform policymakers in public health on how to deal with these major challenges and improve communication for behaviour change strategies towards utilization of vaccination. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. The population study was 649 healthcare workers, working in public or integrated health care facilities. A stratified random sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of 248 respondents. Data was collected using interview schedules. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with presentation made using tables and figures. The level of association between the independent and dependent variables was assessed by chi-squared test and adjusted odds ratio and p-values at 95% confidence interval.  The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data analysis.Result: The findings show that 58.0% of healthcare workers in Oicha Health District were hesitant. Vaccine hesitancy were associated with variables as shown by bivariate and multivariate analysis results. Belief in vaccine safety (chi-square 202, p-value 0.0000.05; OR=2[0.77;6.34] were significantly associated with hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccine.  Besides, 96% of the respondents stated that they had already heard mixed negative news about the COVID-19 vaccine.Conclusions and recommendations: Finally, it was established that vaccine safety, effectiveness, necessity, availability and trust in administrative authority were associated with vaccine hesitancy. This study can guide policymakers in improving the vaccination strategies