Economic-Clinical Burdens of Tuberculosis Treatment in Vulnerable Patients in a Provincial General Referral Hospital in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Background: According to an analysis of the catastrophic costs incurred by people with tuberculosis, 56% of households in the Democratic Republic of Congo bear the economic burden of tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and economic burdens of tuberculosis treatment in vulnerable patients. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Janson Sendwe Provincial General Referral Hospital between September and December 2023, a four-month period. Data collection was based on a previously developed survey form with several parameters. Results: In this study, 59 tuberculosis cases with vulnerability factors were recorded. Male sex was the most prevalent with 62.71%, the average patient age was 33.37 ± 9.92 (15-68) years, TB/HIV coinfection was the most prominent with 94.92%, the average total cost was 56.74 ± 20.81 USD, direct costs were 10.61 ± 0.00 and indirect costs were 47.75 ± 19.23 USD. The average direct costs were 1.56 ± 0.19 USD. Conclusion: Catastrophic costs for tuberculosis patients can be addressed by improving the delivery and financing of tuberculosis services and strengthening social protection for tuberculosis patients.