Socio-Psychological Determinants of Seasonal Flu Control, in the Context of Covid-19, in the Democratic Republic of Congo among Nurses

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the socio-psychological determinants of influenza control among health workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Our study aimed to describe the level of knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practices of nurses on seasonal influenza and vaccination. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study conducted in two major cities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, was based on the health beliefs model. Data were collected using the focus group technique and analyzed using thematic and phenomenological approaches. Results: Our study revealed that nurses had limited knowledge about seasonal influenza. The majority confused the seasonal flu with Covid-19 because of the similarities in their symptoms, modes of transmission and specific preventive measures. In addition, the flu was perceived as mild, rarely or not at all serious, not posing a threat to health. Most of them had an unfavourable attitude to the vaccination and resorted to self-medication when they felt sick. Conclusion: This study allowed us to understand the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards influenza vaccination and the practices of nurses in two large cities in the DRC. However, it is crucial to train nurses on seasonal flu and to make them aware of the vulnerable people s’ mortality risk.