OBJECTIVETo explore risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (DM-PTB).

METHODSA hospital-based case-control study was conducted at three hospitals in Tianjin during October 2001 to October 2002. 87 newly-diagnosed PTB patients with type 2 DM were recruited as cases, and 129 type 2 DM patients were chosen as controls. Information on risk factors was collected through face-to-face interview. Univariate unconditional logistic regression model and multivariate logistic regression modified by the factor analysis were conducted to explore the risk factors for DM-PTB and final main effect functions were built by age and sex.

RESULTS31 variables were found to be associated with DM-PTB in the univariate analysis. The modified multivariate logistic regression analysis found that bad contact factor (OR = 1.778, 95% CI: 1.248 - 2.534), severe state of DM (OR = 1.749, 95% CI: 1.221 - 2.506), bad habits factor (OR = 1.614, 95% CI: 1.136 - 2.294) and low intake of salt (OR = 1.586, 95% CI: 1.119 - 2.248) were generally associated with increased risk of DM-PTB in the final model; while factors as good habits (OR = 0.333, 95% CI: 0.218 - 0.508), high socioeconomic level (OR = 0.508, 95% CI: 0.346 - 0.745), hypertension (OR = 0.517, 95% CI: 0.350 - 0.764), good housing condition (OR = 0.599, 95% CI: 0.413 - 0.868) and beneficial change of diet after DM (OR = 0.630, 95% CI: 0.447 - 0.889) were shown to be reversely associated with DM-PTB.

CONCLUSIONDifferent genders and different ages have different risk factors or protective factors. Thus, to reduce the progressively increased incidence of PTB among DM patients, preventive strategies and measures should be focused on the most vital predisposing factors in corresponding risk populations.