ABSTRACT
Background: The problem of training human resources in health is a real concern in public health in Central Africa. What can be changed in order to train more competent health professionals? This is of utmost importance in primary health care. Methods: Taking into account the level of training of secondary-level nurses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); a systemic approach; based on the PRECEDE PROCEED model of analysis; led to a better understanding of the educational determinants and of the factors favourable to a better match between training in health sciences and the expected competences of the health professionals. This article must be read on two complementary levels: one reading; focused on the methodological process; should allow our findings to be transferred to other problems (adaptation of a health promotion model to the educational sphere). The other reading; revolving around the specific theme and results; should provide a frame of reference and specific avenues for action to improve human resources in the health field (using the results of its application in health science teaching in the DRC). Results: The results show that it is important to start this training with a global and integrated approach shared by all the actors. The strategies of action entail the need for an approach taking into account all the aspects; i.e. sociological; educational; medical and public health. Conclusions: The analysis of the results shows that one cannot bring any change without integrated strategies of action and a multidisciplinary approach that includes all the complex determinants of health behaviour; and to do it within the organization of local structures and institutions in the ministry of health in the DRC