Prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and associated factors in community health workers in Brazil based on the tuberculin skin test

Abstract

This article aimed to determine the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and associated factors in community health workers (CHW) in Brazil, using two cutoff points for the tuberculin skin test (5mm and 10mm). This was a cross-sectional study with data on gender, age, BCG scar, working in a primary care unit (PCU), having a household contact with tuberculosis (TB), alcohol consumption, previous tuberculin skin test (TST), smoking, time on the job as CHW, and comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and to control for confounding. TST was applied and read after 48-72 hours. Prevalence rates were 57.88% and 37.3%, respectively, for the 5mm and 10mm TST cutoffs. Variables that remained associated with positive TST using the 10mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit that had implemented a Tuberculosis Control Program (TCP) and history of household contact with TB. Variables associated with the 5mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit with a TCP. Necessary actions at the local level include awareness-raising and strengthening of continuing education.

Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Community Health Workers