Health-related quality of life among individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Republic of the Congo in 2024

Introduction Vaccination is regarded as the most effective strategy for curbing the spread of the virus. Despite the known benefits of vaccines, research has indicated a link between their use and the occurrence of serious side effects. The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life and associated factors among individuals vaccinated against COVID-19. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among people vaccinated against COVID-19. Data were collected by telephone, and linear regressions were used to identify factors associated with quality of life. All the analyses were performed via R software. Results The study included 222 vaccinated individuals, with a median age of 44 years (Q1 = 33 years, Q3 = 53 years). Among them, 30.2% reported postvaccination side effects, 65.8% were men, and 15.3% had chronic illnesses, 35.3% of which were discovered after vaccination. The lowest scores were observed for the dimensions of general health (76.64 ± 16.97), role physical (84.68 ± 28.85), vitality (54.57 ± 12.99) and mental health (73.15 ± 10.29). The mental component summary (MCS) score (48.08 ± 4.45) was lower than the physical component summary (PCS) score (54.24 ± 7.63). Factors associated with lower quality of life included older age, chronic diseases, secondary education level and post-vaccination side effects, whereas receipt of the Sputnik Light vaccine was associated with higher MCS scores. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination may be associated, in some individuals, with transient and moderate perceived changes in quality of life, affecting mainly the mental component summary. These findings highlight the importance of a global health approach, including psychological well-being, as well as the need for appropriate follow-up and targeted communication for vulnerable groups.