Risks for latent tuberculosis infection among health care workers in Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem. This infectious disease is the leading cause of deteriorating health and one of the main causes of death worldwide. Latent TB infection among health care workers is high due to exposure to diagnosed and undiagnosed TB patients. This risk is more worrying in low- and middle-income countries due to increased exposure and a lack of preventive measures. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for latent TB in health care workers in our institutions.METHODS: This cross-sectional study used observational analysis to determine the risk factors for latent TB infection in health care workers in our institutions. The primary data obtained from interviews and interferon-gamma release assay tests related to the incidence of latent TB. The x2 test was used to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, and P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Sex, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), comorbidities, smoking history, family history of TB, profession, workplace, and length of employment were not significantly associated with latent TB (P>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: None of the investigated risk factors were associated with latent TB.