Prevalence and Determinants of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Workers at a District Hospital in South Sulawesi, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers are occupationally exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but evidence on latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among workers in district hospitals remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LTBI and identify associated individual, occupational, and environmental factors among workers at Batara Siang Hospital, Pangkep Regency. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from October to November 2025 among 228 workers selected from 560 employees through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, workplace temperature and humidity measurements, and the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). LTBI classification was based on TST positivity and the absence of clinical symptoms of active TB. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 129 respondents (56.6%) tested TST-positive. Knowledge, years of service, working hours, close contact history, humidity, and temperature were independently associated with LTBI. Non-standard temperature had the highest adjusted odds ratio (aOR=3.511; 95% CI: 1.70-7.27; p=0.001), followed by close contact history (aOR=3.217; 95% CI: 1.70-6.08; p<0.001) and years of service (aOR=3.192; 95% CI: 1.47-6.95; p=0.004). Conclusion: LTBI prevalence among hospital workers was high. Periodic LTBI screening, contact monitoring, worker education, and routine environmental control of temperature and humidity should be prioritized in hospital occupational health programs.