Prostate volume and its relationship with anthropometric variables among different ethnic groups of South-Kivu, DR Congo

Background The prevalence of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) varies among individuals from different races or ethnic groups. South-Kivu province (DR Congo) has several morphologically different ethnic groups. Our aim was to compare prostate volume and assess its possible association with specific anthropometric measurements among major ethnic groups. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of male subjects, ≥ 40 year old, enrolled in 10 different sites of South-Kivu allowing both easy access and ethnic diversity. We compared urological features, anthropometric parameters, and body fat composition among 979 subjects who met study criteria: Shi ( n : 233), Lega ( n : 212), Havu ( n : 204), Bembe–Fuliru ( n : 172), and minority ethnic groups ( n : 158). Results Prostate volume was statistically different among ethnic groups. Median (interquartile range) size of prostate gland was significantly larger in Lega: 55 (38–81) cc, and smaller in Havu, 20 (17, 24) cc; p < 0.001. Overall, an enlarged prostate (≥ 30 cc) was documented in 91% of Lega men, in 59% of intermediate class men (Shi, Bembe–Fuliru, others), and in a mere 11% of Havu men. In multivariate analysis, prostate volume was significantly associated with age ( p < 0.001), ethnic group ( p < 0.001), residence ( p : 0.046), and fasting blood glucose ( p : 0.001). Conversely, prostate volume was neither associated with anthropometric parameters, nor with body fat composition. Conclusion Prostatic size varies widely among men from different ethnic origins in South-Kivu. Different genetic determinants and cellular composition of prostatic gland could represent risk factors that need to be examined in forthcoming studies.