Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients with Suspected Tuberculosis in a Community Hospital in Luanda, Angola: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background. Angola is one of the high-burden countries for tuberculosis (TB). In this study, we aimed at describing the risk factors for TB diagnosis and the clinical characteristics of patients with TB diagnosed in a single hospital in Luanda, Angola. Methods. Screening for TB was offered to all individuals from five to 90 years of age, presenting to the Hospital Divina Providência (HDP) with signs and symptoms suggestive of possible TB. Inclusion criteria also comprised availability of adequate sputum sample and signed informed consent to study participation. Individuals with previous history of TB and/or TB treatment, patients with advanced liver disease and pregnant women were excluded from the study. Diagnosis was confirmed by GeneXpert. HIV testing was also offered. Results. Of 659 participants, 283 (42.9%) were women; median age was 27 years (IQR 21-38). TB diagnosis was made in 474 out of 659 (71.9%) individuals screened. Age and BMI significantly differed between participants with and without TB. Sixty-two participants had HIV infection, of whom 24.2% were already known. TB-HIV co-infection was found in 7.2% participants. Nine out of 14 cases (64%) of diabetes were new diagnoses; no association was found between diabetes and risk of TB. None of the considered variables (including age, sex, BMI, smoking habits, or alcohol consumption) were associated with an increased risk of rifampicin-resistant or multidrug resistant TB. Conclusions. TB was diagnosed in a high proportion of cases with compatible symptoms/signs. Younger age and low BMI were significantly associated with TB, while none of the considered variables were associated with an increased risk of rifampicin/multidrug resistant TB. The screening permitted to identify high proportions of new HIV and diabetes cases, supporting the need for enhanced screening strategies both for communicable and non-communicable diseases in Luanda.