TITLE:
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Prescribed Hygiene and Dietary Measures among Hospitalized Patients in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Lusamaki Mukunda Francois, Buhendwa Mirindi Victor, Mosisi Moleka Pange, Kayisu Kalenga Antoine, Wabi Bajo, Eugene Basandja Longembe, Atoba Bokele, Kayembe Tshilumba, Batina Agasa Salomon
KEYWORDS:
Diabetes Mellitus, Hospital Frequency, Health and Dietary Measures, Kisangani DRC
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.16 No.7,
July
10,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to increase worldwide. In Kisangani, cases of DM are continuously recorded in healthcare facilities. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of DM and describing the hygiene and dietary measures recommended for patients admitted to selected Kisangani hospitals from 2018 to 2021. Methods: This facility-based descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in Kisangani, Tshopo province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically in 7 general hospitals from August 15 to November 15, 2023. Data were collected retrospectively by documentary analysis, including all cases of diabetes mellitus admitted from 2018 to 2021 in the internal medicine departments of the selected hospitals. Every single record that contained a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, whether it was presented alone or in conjunction with other pathology, was retained. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and as a percentage and presented in tables and graphs. Results: Out of 6023 admitted patients, 374 cases of diabetes were diagnosed, either, a frequency of 6.2%. This frequency was higher in 2020 (8.0%) and 2021 (7.1%) but was low in 2018 (4.2%). Hygiene-dietary measures were prescribed in 41.4% of cases. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus is on the rise in the city of Kisangani, but few patients receive health and dietary advice from providers. Urgent measures should be taken to improve the dietary management of these patients.