Background: Nearly one third of the world is infected with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and a vast pool of\nindividuals with LTBI persists in developing countries, posing a major barrier to global TB control. The aim of the\npresent study was to determine the prevalence of LTBI and the associated risk factors among adults in Kampala,\nUganda.\nMethods: We performed a secondary analysis from a door-to-door cross-sectional survey of chronic cough conducted\nfrom January 2008 to June 2009. Urban residents of Rubaga community in Kampala aged 15 years and older who had\nreceived Tuberculin skin testing (TST) were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was LTBI defined as a TST\nwith induration 10 mm or greater. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risk factors associated\nwith LTBI.\nResults: A total of 290 participants were tested with TST, 283 had their tests read and 7 didnââ?¬â?¢t have the TST read\nbecause of failure to trace them within 48ââ?¬â??72 hours. Of the participants with TST results, 68% were female, 75% were\n15ââ?¬â??34 years, 83% had attained at least 13 years of education, 12% were smokers, 50% were currently married, 57% left\nhome for school or employment, 21% were HIV positive and 65% reported chronic cough of 2 weeks or longer. The\noverall prevalence of LTBI was 49% [95% CI 44ââ?¬â??55] with some age-and sex-specific differences. On multivariable analysis,\nleaving home for school or employment, aOR = 1.72; [95%CI: 1.05, 2.81] and age 25ââ?¬â??34, aOR = 1.94; [95%CI: 1.12, 3.38];\n35 years and older, aOR = 3.12; [95%CI: 1.65, 5.88] were significant risk factors of LTBI.\nConclusion: The prevalence of LTBI was high in this urban African setting. Leaving home for school or employment and\nolder age were factors significantly associated with LTBI in this setting. This suggests a potential role of expansion of\noneââ?¬â?¢s social network outside the home and cumulative risk of exposure to TB with age in the acquisition of LTBI. Our\nresults provide support for LTBI screening and preventive treatment programs of these sub-groups in order to enhance\nTB control.
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