Spectrum and Risk Factors of Neurological Disorders in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: A cross-sectional study

Background Neurological disorders are a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in addition to limited access to qualified neurological personnel and infrastructure, neurological conditions are exacerbated by ongoing army conflict and financial shortages. This study investigates the spectrum and identify risk factors of neurological disorders in the eastern DRC, with a focus on the interplay of sociodemographic, environmental, and healthcare-related factors to inform policy and healthcare interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in New deal SARL hospital Clinique Internationale de Médecine Avancée au Kivu (CIMAK) located in Goma across the Eastern DRC. Data were collected from December 2024 to March 2025 using a structured questionnaire and clinical assessments. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with having a neurological disorder. Results A total of 596 participants were enrolled, representing diverse demographics. The mean age was 41 years (SD = 20), and 53% were female. Most participants resided in urban areas (78%), and 65% had at least secondary education. Unemployment was reported by 24%. In total, 20.6% (n = 123) had a neurological diagnosis, most commonly epilepsy (35.8%), stroke (22.8%), and migraine or chronic headache (11.4%). Among those with epilepsy, 56.8% had the condition for more than five years. In multivariable logistic regression, tobacco use was significantly associated with higher odds of a neurological diagnosis (adjusted OR = 4.51; 95% CI: 1.32–14.9; p = 0.013). Married (adjusted OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19–0.94; p = 0.034) and divorced (adjusted OR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.00–0.61; p = 0.038) participants had significantly lower odds of a neurological condition compared to those who were single. Conclusion Neurological conditions are common and long-lasting among adults in this setting, with epilepsy and stroke being the most prevalent. Tobacco use significantly increases the odds of neurological disease, while marital status appears protective. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly tobacco cessation programs and integrated neurological care in primary health systems. Further longitudinal and diagnostic research is recommended to better understand causal relationships and improve prevention strategies in similar low-resource environments.