Epidemiological and Therapeutic Aspects of Tuberculosis in Adult Women in the City of Butembo, from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024

Abstract

Introduction. Tuberculosis remains an important public health concern among adult women. Its occurrence may be influenced by poverty, malnutrition, insecurity, and HIV co-infection. In Butembo, data on tuberculosis among adult women remain limited. Objective. To determine the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of tuberculosis among adult women in the city of Butembo from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024 Methods. This was a descriptive, retrospective, documentary study conducted over seven years among 5,459 women aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with and treated for tuberculosis at tuberculosis screening and treatment centers in Butembo. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data were collected and analyzed using Epi Info 7.2.4.0 and Microsoft Excel. Results. The annual prevalence ranged from 155 to 187 cases per 100,000 women, with an increase from 2022 onward. Kitatumba TB screening and treatment center recorded the highest average prevalence (1,559.3 per 100,000). Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis was the most common form (61.72%), followed by smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (26.81%) and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (11.46%). TB-HIV co-infection affected 16.1% of the patients. Overall, treatment outcomes were favourable in 87.9% of cases, while mortality reached 7.6%. Among HIV-positive women, the cure rate was lower (55.51%) and mortality higher (30.40%) than among HIV-negative women, whose corresponding rates were 94.21% and 3.21%. Conclusion. Tuberculosis remains an important public health concern among adult women in Butembo. HIV co-infection is associated with higher mortality and poorer treatment outcomes. Strengthening early detection, appropriate management, and patient follow-up is therefore essential.