Epidemiology of latent tuberculosis and associated risk factors in Al- Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiology of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and associated risk factors among adults in Al-Madinah, KSA, and to identify vulnerable populations for targeted interventions. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Madinah, from January 2021 to December 2022. Participants aged >14 years were screened for LTBI using the QuantiFERON -TB Gold In-Tube test. People with active tuberculosis were excluded. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and risk factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with LTBI. Results: In total, 773 participants were included and 291 (37.6 %) tested positive for LTBI. Multivariate analysis identified greater age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and connective tissue disorders as significant risk factors for LTBI. Non-Saudi nationality was associated with higher odds of LTBI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.86; 95 % confidence interval (95%CI), 1.80e8.27), whereas the risk was lower for Saudi nationals (aOR, 0.34; 95%CI, 0.25-0.47). Conclusions: This study highlights the burden of LTBI in Al-Madinah, and specific demographic and medical risk factors. These findings underscore the importance of personalized public health strategies and preventive measures for controlling LTBI progression in high-risk populations.