Background: The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) is re-emerging worldwide. Recently, the prevalence of DM is increasing in resource poor countries where TB is of high burden. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and analyze associated factors of TB and DM comorbidity in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Methods: This was a facility based cross-sectional study. All newly diagnosed TB patients attending selected health facilities in the study area were consecutively screened for DM. DM was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyles and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TB and DM comorbidity.
Result: Among a total of 1314 patients who participated in the study, the prevalence of DM was estimated at 109 (8.3%). Being female [odds ratio (OR) 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.10-2.62)], patients age [41-64 years (OR 3.35; 95% CI (2.01-5.57), 65-89 years (OR 3.18; 95% CI (1.52-6.64)], being a pulmonary TB case [(OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.09-2.63)] and having a family history of DM [(OR 4.54; 95% CI (2.36-8.73)] were associated factors identified with TB and DM comorbidity.
Conclusion: The prevalence of DM among TB patients in South-Eastern Amahra Region is high. Routine screening of TB patients for DM is recommended in the study area.