Analysis of Factors Associated with Food Insecurity among Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients at Makamba Hospital
Séraphine Niyibampaye
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Lambert Niyoyitungiye *
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Rural Development Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Agribusiness Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Natural and Environmental Sciences (CRNSE), University of Burundi, Faculty of Sciences, Bujumbura, P.O. Box 2700, Burundi and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burundi, P.O. Box. 2700, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Laetitia Irakoze
Doctoral School of the University of Burundi, Avenue de l’ UNESCO No2, P.O. Box 1550, Bujumbura, Burundi, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Kamenge University Hospital Center, University of Burundi, P.O. Box 2210, Bujumbura, Burundi and East African Nutritional Sciences Institute, University of Burundi, P.O. Box 2700, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Cotivaldes Ciza
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Rural Development Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Daniel Niyonzima
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Agribusiness Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Françoise Bucumi
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Agribusiness Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Don Divin Rodrigue Neema Matemere
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Agribusiness Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Jean Bosco Ndayishimiye
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Rural Development Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Floride Bwitonzi
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Rural Development Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Jean Joseph Arsene Rukundo
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Agribusiness Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Venantie Ntirandekura
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Agribusiness Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Espérance Bedetse
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Godefroid Nkeshimana
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Rural Development Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The association between diabetes and hypertension represents a major public health problem in Burundi. These patients, who are particularly vulnerable, face food-related challenges that compromise their therapeutic balance. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with food insecurity among patients suffering from diabetes associated with hypertension at Makamba Hospital.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 60 diabetic and hypertensive patients attending Makamba Hospital from December 2025 to March 2026. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI), clinical parameters (blood pressure, blood glucose), and the Food Consumption Score (FCS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, including descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis (Chi-square test, OR at 95%, p<0.05), and multivariate logistic regression.
Food insecurity affected 70.0% of patients (26.7% poor diet, 43.3% borderline diet). Obesity affected 30.0% of patients and was correlated with poor glycemic control (r = 0.302, p < 0.01). Risk factors associated with food insecurity included: presence of complications (OR = 3.65), alcohol consumption (OR = 3.65), low number of meals per day (OR = 3.38), and lack of physical activity (OR = 2.50). Educational level was positively correlated with diet quality (ρ = 0.289, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed these associations with adjusted ORs of 3.53 for complications and 3.35 for alcohol consumption.
Food insecurity is highly prevalent among diabetic and hypertensive patients in Makamba (70.0%). Targeted interventions focusing on nutritional education, promotion of physical activity, and social support are needed.
Keywords: Food insecurity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic diseases, nutrition, public health, Makamba Hospital