Factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Detudom Crown Prince Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

An unmatched case-control study aimed to explore factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the Diabetes Mellitus (DM) clinics of one government DETUDOM CROWN PRINCE HOSPITAL, UBONRATCHATHANI PROVINCE. The case and control groups each comprised 132 DM patients. Data were extracted from medical records. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between risk factors associated with PTB among DM patients, calculating adjusted odds ratios (OR_adj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that factors significantly associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in diabetes patients (P-value < 0.05) include male gender (OR_adj = 6.26; 95% CI = 2.40 – 16.36), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m² (OR_adj = 16.35; 95% CI = 4.17 – 64.17), 5-10 years of diabetes duration (OR_adj =6.52; 95% CI = 1.63 – 26.14), infrequent exercise (OR_adj = 39.99; 95% CI = 14.85 – 107.69) and close contact/caring for a tuberculosis patient (OR_adj = 8.62; 95% CI = 3.50 - 21.24). These findings highlight the need for routine TB screening and targeted preventive measures in high-risk diabetic patients. In particular, diabetic patients who have close contact with or care for TB patients should receive regular home visits and education on TB prevention. A systematic approach should be established for screening, referral, and prompt treatment to reduce the spread of infection in the community.