Gulu University

Despite women's dominance in maize production in Uganda, there have been reported cases of food insecurity among the female-headed households. In this study, we assessed gender disparities in maize productivity and the determinants of maize productivity among the male and female-headed households using cross-sectional data collected from 396 farmers in central Uganda. Data analysis was done using Total Factor Productivity and Tobit regression model. The findings suggested that female-headed households were 24.26% less productive than their fellow male-headed counterparts. The results from econometric analysis showed that education, farm size, input access, non-farm income and access to market information had positive and significant effect of maize productivity while household size, market distance and group membership had negative significant effects on maize productivity among the female-headed households. On the other hand, age, input access, sub-county and road access had positive influence on maize productivity while household size had a negative effect on maize productivity among the male-headed households. From the results, the study concluded that there is gender disparity among the male and female-headed households. The findings suggest that subsidizing farm inputs to smallholder farmers while training them through extension services could help to bridge gender gaps in maize productivity among the female-headed households.

This study assessed the factors associated with caregiver’s nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) as well as their implication on the nutritional status of children aged 6–24 months old in Soroti and Amuria districts, eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional research design was applied to collect primary data from 408 caregivers of children between 6 and 24 months. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including regression analysis. Anthropometric approaches were used to assess the nutritional status of the reference child. Results showed that there was a generally low level of knowledge on complementary feeding (CF) among caregivers in this study. There was, however generally good attitude of caregivers towards CF. The findings on practices were mixed with both good practices such as feeding the child with colostrum and bad practices such earlier than recommended introduction of complementary foods. From this study, the average time for introduction of complementary foods was 4.4 months. This was less than the recommended 6 months with only 36% of the children being introduced to complementary feeding at the recommended 6 months. Caregiver’s nutritional knowledge was predicted by child’s sex, mother as caregiver and occupation of household head, while, caregiver’s attitude was predicted by household occupation and farming as source of foods in the case caregiver’s attitude. Results on influence knowledge and attitude on child nutritional status shows that attitude is a significant predictor of stunting and wasting, but not underweight, on the other hand, knowledge was not a significant predictor of child nutritional status. The study recommends the need to improve the level of knowledge of caregivers. This could be by introducing child nutrition education through available sources of information.

Objective To investigate the effects of a 12- week aerobic dance programme on systolic blood pressure (SBP) in stage one hypertensive adults. Methods This study employed an experimental research design. 36 out of 58 stage one hypertensive adults randomly assigned into experimental and control groups completed the programme. SBP was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer at baseline and post programme. The experimental group participants trained thrice a week, 45 min per session, and at a moderate intensity, but the control group continued doing their daily routines. Data were analysed using SPSS V.20. A two- tailed t- test was used to compare the mean differences of the two groups. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The experimental group had a mean SBP of 143.83±6.382 mm Hg at baseline, while the control had 137.61±6.400 mm Hg. After a 12- week aerobic dance programme, the mean SBP of the experimental group reduced to 136.33±9.191 mm Hg, while that of the control group increased to 139.56±9.954 mm Hg. This implies that the 12- week aerobic dance programme reduced the SBP of the experimental group by −7.50 mm Hg while that of the control group remained more or less the same by having a marginal increment of 1.50 mm Hg. The changes were statistically significant (p<0.002) after a 12- week aerobic dance programme. Conclusion The aerobic dance programme effectively manages the SBP of stage one hypertensive adults. In Uganda, stakeholders and policymakers should consider incorporating aerobic dance as a non- pharmacological method for hypertension management protocols.

The house cricket, Acheta domesticus (Linnaeus) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) is one of the major insects successfully domesticated for food around the world. However, expensive feed is still a major challenge in the production of the insect, leading to low returns. This study aimed at developing an alternative diet for mass rearing of A. domesticus . We tested five diets, namely commercial chicken mash (CCM; control diet), maize bran supplemented with 50% sunflower seed cake (SFC50), 50% shea seed cake (SBC50), 50% oil palm seed cake (POC50), and 25% maize bran + 25% of each of the oil seed cakes (MSSP25). The experiment was arranged as a randomized unreplicated block design with 50 blocks, each containing one replicate of each diet treatment. Survival of A. domesticus fed on maize bran supplemented with either sunflower seed cake or oil palm seed cake was comparable to that of those fed on the control diet. However, emerging adults on oil seed supplemented diets (SFC50 and POC50) were heavier than their counterparts raised on the control diet. The shortest development time was observed among A. domesticus fed on 50% sunflower seed cake compared to all other diets. Acheta domesticus fed on the control diet was richer in protein, while those reared on maize bran supplemented with either sunflower seed cake or oil palm seed cake contained higher levels of fat, minerals (sodium, calcium, and iron) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We conclude that supplementation of maize bran with 50% of either sunflower seed cake or oil palm seed cake improves survival and weight gain of A. domesticus and shortens their development time. In addition, these diets modify the nutritional composition of A. domesticus , especially lipids, minerals, and PUFAs. We recommend the use of SFC50 and POC50 as alternative diets to commercial chicken mash in the mass production of A. domesticus .

Although extensive research has assessed the role of perceptions in technology adoption, their role in facilitating the adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) among small-scale farmers has received limited attention. The purpose of the research was to assess the effect of perceptions on the adoption of SAIPs. Data were gathered from 320 smallholder maize farmers in Eastern Uganda using a cross-sectional survey. Chi-square was used to compare perceptions of SAIPs among adopters and non-adopters. A binary logistic model was used to compute the effect of perception and institutional and socio-economic factors on farmers' adoption of SAIPs. Results revealed that adopters had higher perceptions of benefits associated with SAIPs than non-adopters, while non-adopters perceived SAIPs as more risky and costly than adopters. Econometric results show that perceived benefits, access to extension services, credit, and market nearness positively affected the adoption of SAIPs. Perceived risks and costs influenced SAIPs' adoption negatively. The study recommends strengthening extension services and farmers' training programs to create awareness of SAIPs' benefits. Extension services should focus on demystifying negative perceptions harbored by smallholder farmers towards SAIPs about costs and risks through frugal and hands-on extension techniques. Policies and development programs should consider farmers' perceptions to foster the adoption of SAIPs.

Objectives: Infectious diseases are often associated with decline in quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between personal history of communicable, i.e., infectious and parasitic diseases and self-rated health. Study design: Secondary analysis of a large dataset multi-country observational study. Methods: We used a four-pronged analysis approach to investigate whether personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases is related to self-reported health, measured with a single item. Results: Three of the four analyses found a small positive effect on self-reported health among those reporting a history of pathogen exposure. The meta-analysis found no support but large heterogeneity that was not reduced by two classifications of countries. Conclusion: Personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases does not reduce self-reported health across a global sample.

In developing countries, minimal progress has been made towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is because of low investment in innovations towards this endeavor. In this paper, 143 peer-reviewed journal articles and non-journal sources were reviewed to explore the potential of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) rearing as a cost-effective innovation for achieving SDGs 1, 2, 3, 7, and 13. Uganda was chosen for its median position among developing countries, making its practices adaptable to countries on either side of the scale. BSF can contribute to the attainment of the five SDGs through its products and/or services, including environment-friendly waste management, larvae for animal feeds, frass for organic fertilizer, and chitin for pharmaceutical use. This review discusses the significant potential of integrating BSF into strategies to achieve the selected SDGs in a developing country. However, the limited data on organic waste generation could not permit precise statistical estimates of BSF’s potential contribution to each SDG. Future studies, supported by reliable data, should precisely assess the feasibility of BSF rearing as a cost-effective innovation for attaining the SDGs. Future research should also explore the influence of policy and consumer behavior on the adoption and utilization of BSF-based products.

Bovine fasciolosis (BF) is a parasitic disease of cattle that causes significant economic impacts to cattle farmers. The physical loses include weight loss, drop in productivity, liver condemnation and mortalities. This study assessed the prevalence, financial losses and risk factors associated with the disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study of 720 slaughter cattle from the abattoirs was conducted by macroscopic examination of the animals and carcasses during routine slaughter. In the farms, 120 rectal faecal samples were taken to a laboratory for Fasciola egg detection by simple microscopy, while risk factors were assessed by administering a questionnaire to farm owners. Prevalence of BF was highest (38%) within cattle in the age group of 1–3 years and lowest (18%) in those over 5 years. The overall BF prevalence was 48% and 26% by postmortem examination and coprology, respectively. The cattle body condition had a significant association (p<0.01) with prevalence of BF, in which emaciated cattle were most affected (59%), while fat ones had the least prevalence (15%). The annual financial loss due to BF infection was USD 89,099. The major risk factors associated with the disease at the farm level were communal grazing in swampy areas (82%) and watering cattle in swamps (71%). Farms where the source of drinking water was swamp water had higher chances (p<0.05) of their cattle having BF. An integrated approach using routine deworming programs, improvement of cattle management practices and control of snail intermediate hosts is recommended to effectively control the spread of BF.

Background Uses of indoor residual spraying (IRS), long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINS) and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) are greatly promoted in the northern part of Uganda as mitigating strategies for malaria episodes. Unfortunately, the region remains the fourth highest malaria burden in Uganda with a prevalence of 12%. This study assesses household predictors of malaria episodes in northern Uganda and their impact on malaria episodes at the household level. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts of Gulu, Oyam, Kitgum and Agago covering sixteen villages in northern Uganda. Data was collected through a pre-tested structured questionnaire and systematically coded for analysis using R software. Results In total, 193 households were surveyed with 112 (58%) of them headed by women and 605 individuals were declared to have spent the night before the interview in the 193 households. On average, there were at least two-bed nets (317/159) per household and a total of 460 individuals out of 535 (86%) spent the night before the interview under a bed net. The usage of bed nets in the study area overall was 86% while malaria incidence was 50% higher in children than in adults. Hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) categorizes households in northern Uganda into three types: 1) households that use bed nets and sleep in houses sprayed with insecticides; 2) households that use bed nets but no indoor residual spraying with insecticides and 3) households that have no bed nets and no indoor residual spraying. When given a choice between IRS and treated bed nets, 1 in 3 households preferred treated bed nets. At the same time, data suggests that bed nets were perceived as unnecessary once the IRS was applied. If true, the driving force for spraying insecticides indoors then becomes the lack of a bed net. Conclusions Malaria episodes were strongly related to lack of bed nets or use thereof, and directly linked to the number of individuals in a household. Children were prone to malaria more than adults by a ratio of 2:1. The three categories of households in northern Uganda as revealed by HCPC provide an opportunity to tailor-make preventive/intervention malaria messages to fit the individual household clusters.

This study investigated the effect of processing (roasting and malting) and crop variety on fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) profile of millet, sorghum, soybean, and sesame varieties commonly consumed in Uganda. Two elite varieties and one indigenous variety for each crop were analyzed. Monosaccharide and polyols content was determined by HPLC-UV method, while disaccharides and oligosaccharide were determined using Megazyme kits. The elite varieties of soybean (Maksoy 3 N), Millet (Seremi 2) and sorghum (Narosorg 2) exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower oligosaccharide content compared to indigenous varieties with percentage differences ranging from 10.2 to 73.9%. Additionally, Maksoy 3 N and Narosorg 2 also exhibited significantly lower (p < 0.05) excess fructose content compared to the indigenous variety. Malting was more effective than roasting (p < 0.05) in reducing FODMAP categories and total FODMAP content. Malting effectively reduced excess fructose in all grain types to the recommended levels of <0.15 g/100 g compared to roasting. Moreover, malting reduced total oligosaccharides and total FODMAPs in soybean and sesame by more than 50%. However, this reduction did not achieve the recommended threshold of 0.3 g/100 g for total oligosaccharides and 0.5 g/100 g, for total FODMAPs which are a criterion to categorize low FODMAP diets. Malting conditions should be optimized to enhance its effectiveness in producing low FODMAP foods. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate grain variety and processing techniques that modify FODMAP content in foods that can be used for dietary therapy of gastro-intestinal disorders among vulnerable population.

The ongoing mpox outbreak, characterized by the ongoing global circulation of clade II mpox since 2022, has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities and underscores the importance of addressing both the epidemiological aspects and the societal impact of the disease on affected communities. This article examines mpox transmission dynamics globally, with a focus on populations whose proactive health-seeking behaviors have enabled early identification of cases. Yet, these communities also face stigma rooted in homophobia, racism, and misinformation, which hampers healthcare access and fuels discrimination. This stigma results in delayed care-seeking and barriers to effective public health interventions. The article advocates for continuous monitoring, adaptive public health strategies, and anti-stigma efforts to ensure that affected populations receive the support they need. While mpox primarily spreads through close contact, including sexual contact, the article highlights regional differences in framing and addresses misconceptions.

Background Infants born to mothers with active tuberculosis disease (ATB) are at risk of poor clinical outcomes such as low birth weight and perinatal mortality. However, little is known about the influence of maternal ATB exposure on their vaccine responses during infancy. The study explored how maternal ATB affects infants’ vaccine responses, hypothesising reduced responses to Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and other infant vaccines. Methods This was a case-control study with a longitudinal component of infants born to mothers with bacteriologically confirmed ATB (cases) and infants born to mothers without ATB (controls) carried out between September 2021 and June 2022. Quantitative BCG, diphtheria, tetanus, and measles-specific IgG ELISA assays were performed on infant plasma harvested from lithium-heparin blood collected on first encounter after birth (0), at 3, 6, and 9 months. We used prism v10.1.2, mixed-effects modelling, and Tukey’s multiple comparison testing to determine mean differences (MD) between the cases and controls at all time points. Results Exposed infant cases had reduced IgG titres to BCG at baseline compared to the controls (p = 0.032), with a mean of 125.8 vs. 141.1 IU/mL, respectively. This difference was, however, not sustained at the other time points. Similarly, we demonstrated trends towards reduced responses to tetanus, diphtheria, and measles vaccines among infant cases at baseline and three months. However, the trend was not sustained at months six and nine. The mean titres for tetanus at baseline and 3 months for cases versus controls are 1.744 vs. 2.917 IU/mL (p < 0.0001) and 1.716 vs. 2.344 IU/mL (p = 0.018), respectively. The mean titres for diphtheria at 3 months for cases versus controls were 0.022 vs. 0.075 IU/mL (p = 0.006), respectively. Conclusion We have demonstrated that maternal TB disease influences vaccine responses to BCG and other infant vaccines. This has implications for increased risk of childhood TB and other preventable diseases. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Background Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization in August 2024, following an outbreak in Africa. Public engagement on YouTube provides insights into public perceptions during such crises. Objectives We analyzed public discourse and sentiments related to Mpox, focusing on thematic trends in YouTube comments. Design A qualitative synthesis employing thematic content analysis of YouTube comments. Methods The YouTube API retrieved 50 videos each for “Mpox” and “Monkeypox.” After exclusions, 50 relevant videos remained, and the top 10 by views were analyzed. From 10,567 comments extracted, 2826 were analyzed using Latent Dirichlet Allocation modeling to identify themes. Results Key themes included geopolitical concerns, disease spread, conspiracy theories, public health measures, and religious interpretations. Comments revealed mixed views on vaccines, lockdowns, and mistrust in authorities. Conclusion Effective health communication must address scientific, cultural, and geopolitical dimensions while countering misinformation and fostering trust.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, contraceptive use among adolescents ranges from 21–42%, with an unmet need of 53–64%. Therefore, client-centered delivery strategies should be explored to improve contraceptive uptake among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. Methods : An exploratory mixed methods study that was conducted in adolescents living with HIV aged 12-19 years at Gulu Regional Referral hospital in Northern Uganda. Structuredquestionnaires were used to obtain information on contraceptive use, and the most convenient mode of delivery. Selected key informants identified specific delivery strategies potentially associated with higher contraceptive uptake. Results : Of the 193 respondents who participated in the study, 108(56%) were females with a mean age of 15 years. Ever use of modern contraceptives was low at 16% because only a small percentage (approximately 20%) were sexually active. Most participants, 54/193 (40%) preferred accessing contraceptives from the adolescent clinic from health workers and peer supporters. Factors associated with increased contraceptive use were tertiary level education and employment. From qualitative analysis participants recommended the separation of adolescent services, peer support and community outreaches to improve uptake. Conclusion: The contraceptive prevalence rate among HIV-positive adolescents is still low. Contraceptive use is higher among educated or employed adolescents. Services should be provided at adolescent-friendly clinics by trained health workers and peers during school holidays to optimize uptake.

Background Freshwater snails serve as intermediate hosts for trematodes that cause human and animal diseases, notably schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. In Uganda’s Lango subregion, schistosomiasis remains endemic, yet the ecological and physicochemical factors influencing snail prevalence, density, and infection remain poorly understood. This study investigated these factors to inform targeted disease control strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Lira and Kole districts during the dry and rainy seasons of 2023. Snails were collected from streams, ponds, swamps, and rice paddies by handpicking and scooping methods. Morphological identification and cercarial shedding tests were performed to determine the species composition and infection status. Physicochemical water parameters, including pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO₂), total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature, were measured. Generalized linear models were used to assess the predictors of snail prevalence and density. Results A total of 4,802 snails from 13 species were collected, with Biomphalaria (47.2%) and Bulinus (23.7%) being the most abundant genera. The snail density was greater in the rainy season (53.7%) than in the dry season (46.3%). Among the 3,404 Biomphalaria and Bulinus snails examined, 0.15% were infected with schistosome cercariae, including Biomphalaria sudanica (0.03%), B. choanomphala (0.06%), and Bulinus africanus (0.06%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that salinity, TDS, conductivity, water depth, and DO₂ significantly influenced snail prevalence, explaining 73.1% of the variation in B. sudanica and 82.2% in B. choanomphala . Negative binomial regression (Table 3) indicated that water temperature, TDS, pH, and anthropogenic activities affected snail density. Lymnaea natalensis and B. choanomphala thrived in habitats with moderate DO₂ values and human activities such as washing and bathing, whereas car washing negatively impacted density. Conclusions This study highlights the role of ecological and physicochemical factors in freshwater snail distribution, density, and infection rates. These findings provide critical insights for targeted snail control interventions, including habitat modification, improved sanitation, and seasonal mass drug administration, to mitigate schistosomiasis transmission in the Lango subregion and nationwide.

The yield and properties of torrefaction products are affected by both feedstock characteristics and torrefaction conditions. This study aimed at optimising torrefaction process conditions i.e. heating rate (5–15 °C/min), holding time (10–120 min) and temperature (200–300 °C) for groundnut shell and maize stalk. Response surface methodology based on Box Behnken design and Derringer’s desirability function approach was applied in the optimisation of torrefaction conditions. The optimum heating rate, holding time and temperature were 5 °C/min, 120 min and 200 °C for groundnut shell and 10 °C/min, 70 min, 200 °C for maize stalk, respectively. The optimum biochar and energy yields were 90.3 and 96.7% for groundnut shell and 88.4 and 97.6% for maize stalk, respectively. The effect of torrefaction process parameters on biochar and energy yields for both groundnut shell and maize stalk followed the order, temperature > holding time > heating rate. Second order regression models were developed to predict biochar and energy yields of groundnut shell and maize stalk. The modeled and experimental results were in agreement. Pearson correlation coefficients for the linear relationship between the experimental and predicted biochar and energy yields of the two feedstocks were > 0.95. The coefficient of determination (R²) for each model was > 0.95. The greatest percentage enhancement in the higher heating value (HHV) within the ranges of torrefaction conditions used was 46.3% for maize stalk and 39.2% for groundnut shell.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) documented wearing facemasks in public as one of the most important prevention measures to limit COVID-19 spread. Considering this, WHO and the US CDC developed guidelines for wearing facemasks in public. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of facemask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic in northern Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 587 adults across nine districts in northern Uganda, across 24 high-volume health facilities offering free COVID-9 vaccines. Respondents were selected from the health facilities using a single-stage systematic sampling method. Data was collected in a face-to-face questionnaire interview with an internal validity of Cronbach’s α = 0.72 and entered into Excel. A local Institutional Research Board (IRB) approved the study, and Stata 18 was used for data analysis using Modified Poisson Regression to generate prevalence ratios (PR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR), with a p-value set at < 0.05. The reported prevalence of facemask wearing in public among respondents was high [88.7%,95%CI:86%,-91%]. A multivariate analysis found that obese respondents and those who were receptive (agreed) to the lockdown measures were respectively,1.12 times more likely to wear facemasks [aPR = 1.12,95%CI:1.04–1.19;p < 0.01], and1.23 times more likely to wear facemasks [aPR = 1.23, 95%CI:1.07–1.41;p < 0.01]. The most significant finding from this study was the high prevalence of self-reported facemask wearing among adult community members in northern Uganda. The correlates of wearing facemasks were, being obese and agreeing with the presidential directives on the lockdown measures. Although this prevalence is within acceptable rates, the strict enforcement of the practice by security forces has raised concerns among many community members and human rights advocates. We recommend more studies on communities’ perspectives on the challenges and benefits of facemask-wearing after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Torrefaction involves devolatilisation, depolymerisation and carbonisation of lignocellulosic biomass, which enhance its fuel properties and combustion efficiency. This study aimed at determining the effect of torrefaction on combustion kinetic parameters of groundnut shell and maize stalk. Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) method was used to determine the combustion kinetic parameters (the activation energy and pre-exponential factor) of torrefied and non-torrefied groundnut shell and maize stalk. Torrefaction decreased activation energies and pre-exponential factors of both maize stalk and groundnut shell due to change in structure and chemical composition of the biomass materials. Torrefaction decreased the activation energy from 149.91 to 123.85 kJ/mol for groundnut shell and from 135.14 to 103.70 kJ/mol for maize stalk and the decrease in the activation energy signifies an increase in the reactivity. Also, torrefaction reduced the pre-exponential factor of groundnut shell and maize stalk from 7.43 $\times {10}^{14}$ to 2.78 $\times{10}^{11}$ min−1 and 1.65 $\times {10}^{13}$ to 2.42 $\times {10}^{8}$ min−1, respectively and this reduction in the pre-exponential factor signifies a change in the reaction pathways. The modeled and experimental data for the degree of conversion were in good agreement.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are global health challenges, each imposing significant morbidity and mortality. Observational studies suggest an increased TB risk in individuals with DM, yet causal relationships remain unclear due to potential confounding factors. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a method to assess causality by leveraging genetic variants as instrumental variables, mitigating biases from confounding and reverse causation. This systematic review aimed to consolidate existing MR evidence on the causal link between DM (types 1 and 2) and TB. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, identifying MR studies investigating the causal association between DM and TB. Studies were screened based on pre-specified inclusion criteria and assessed for quality using the STROBE-MR guidelines. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, MR methodology, and causal effect estimates. A meta-analysis was conducted estimate the pooled odds ratios for association between T2DM and TB. Results Four MR studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning East Asian and European populations. Findings indicated a consistent causal relationship between DM (particularly type 2 diabetes) and increased TB risk, with odds ratios (OR) ranging from 1.07 to 1.24 (p < 0.05). The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 1.2172 (95% CI: 1.1101–1.3347, p < 0.0001), indicating a significant positive association between T2DM and TB. One study identified pleiotropic effects, suggesting potential genetic overlap in DM and TB susceptibility. No reverse causal association was observed, indicating that TB does not increase the risk of DM. Conclusion This review highlights a causal association between DM and TB, emphasizing the need for integrated screening and management of DM within TB control programs, particularly in high-burden regions. Future MR studies should include diverse populations to enhance generalizability and explore genetic mechanisms underlying this association.