TITLE:
High Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Factors in Patients with Tuberculosis Comorbidity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kinshasa, DRC
AUTHORS:
Benjamin Bidi Alinga, Serge Fueza Bisuta, Reagen Luvande, Danny Munganga Mafuta, Benoit Obel Kabengele, Innocent Murhula Kashongwe, Remy Yobo Kapongo, Jean-Bosco Las O’kin Kasiam, Jean-Marie Ntumba Kayembe, Munogolo Zacharie Kashongwe
KEYWORDS:
Tuberculosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Comorbidity, Risk Factors, Kinshasa
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Tuberculosis Research,
Vol.13 No.4,
December
2,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two major public health challenges, particularly in developing countries where their prevalence continues to rise. Diabetes is a recognized risk factor for TB, contributing to more severe disease forms and increased complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetes among TB patients in Kinshasa and to identify associated factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 336 TB patients receiving treatment at several health centers in Kinshasa. Sociodemographic, clinical, and paraclinical data were collected and analyzed using statistical tests to identify factors associated with diabetes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Among the 336 TB patients, 38 had diabetes, corresponding to a prevalence of 11.3% [95%CI 8.1 - 15.3]. The study population showed a male predominance (62.5%) with a median age of 34 years. Factors significantly associated with diabetes included age ≥ 34 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.9, p Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Kinshasa and demonstrates a significant association between the two conditions. These findings emphasize the need for integrated management strategies, including systematic diabetes screening in TB patients and close metabolic monitoring, to reduce comorbidity and improve treatment outcomes.