Kabengele Benoit Obel1*, Kayembe Jean Marie Ntumba1, Kayembe Patrick Kalambayi2,
Akilimali Pierre Zalagile2, kaba Didine Kinkodi2, Kashongwe Zacharie Munogolo1

1 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo,
2 Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract
Background
Epidemiological data on asthma among adults in sub-Saharan Africa are sparse.
Objective
To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with asthma among adults in
Kinshasa.
Methods
A previously validated asthma questionnaire was administered to an adult population aged
18 years in urban and peri-urban suburbs of Kinshasa. A random stratified multi-stage
sampling plan was used to select the study participants. Logistic regression was used to
identify factors associated with asthma.
Results
The mean age of respondents was 36.7 (SD 15.36) years, 75% lived in an urban environment,
and 57% were women. The prevalence of asthma-ever was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.4±8.4).
Among asthmatic patients, intermittent asthma was estimated at 75.7% and severe asthma
at 9.3%. Family atopy (OR: 3.97; 95% CI: 2.42±6.50; p<0.001), and the presence of a cat in
the house (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.01±3.28; p = 0.045) were associated with self-reported
asthma.
Conclusion
Asthma is relatively frequent in adults in Kinshasa, a prevalence similar to those reported
elsewhere in Africa. Family atopy and the presence of a cat in the house could be the most
common determinants to be confirmed with national survey in order to design guidelines for
the control of asthma.

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