Prevalence of Juvenile Diabetes among Children Aged 0 to 20 Years in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study of Associated Factors and Treatment Conditions

Abstract

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D), or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. It primarily affects children, adolescents, and young adults under 20 years of age. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in Mbandaka, epidemiological data on juvenile diabetes remain scarce, hindering the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of juvenile diabetes among children aged 0 to 20 years in Mbandaka, to identify associated factors, and to analyze treatment conditions.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted at the Mbandaka Diabetic and Epileptic Clinic. Among 346 registered patients, 36 cases of type 1 diabetes met the inclusion criteria (age 0–20 years, confirmed T1D diagnosis). Data were extracted from medical records covering the period from January 2020 to December 2025. Descriptive analyses were performed using frequencies and percentages.

Results: A slight female predominance was observed (55.6% vs. 44.4%). The most affected age group was 15–19 years (38.9%), followed by 10–14 years (33.3%). The majority of cases came from urban areas (64%). Weight loss (55.5%), polyuria (22%), and fatigue (17%) were the main clinical signs. All patients were on insulin therapy (100%). Environmental factors (72%) dominated over family history (28%). The main treatment difficulties were lack of medication (44.4%), high cost (28%), and difficult access to care (28%). Diagnosis was delayed in 72.2% of cases (discovered during hospitalization).

Conclusion: Juvenile diabetes is a real and documented public health problem in Mbandaka. The null hypothesis (H₀) is rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (H₁) is accepted. Strengthening early screening, improving access to care, and raising public awareness are urgently needed.

Keywords: Juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes, prevalence, Mbandaka, DRC, insulin therapy, environmental factors.

Received Date: February 22, 2026

Accepted Date: March 14, 2026

Published Date: April 02, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/673