Magnitude and Determinants of Latent Tuberculosis Among Inmates of Saudi Correctional Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose To estimate the prevalence and determinants of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) among inmates of four correctional facilities in Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a retrospective review of health records. All inmates of four correctional facilities in Saudi Arabia were screened for tuberculosis in 2022. Their LTBI status was defined as more than 10mm Mantoux test result and negative X-ray chest result. The prevalence of LTBI and their determinants like age, gender, country of origin, location of the prison, and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) status were studied. Results We reviewed screening data of 10,042 inmates in four Saudi prisons. The prevalence of LTBI was 7.4%. The risk difference of LTBI was significantly higher in males compared to female inmates (P Conclusion The prevalence of LTBI was low among inmates at Saudi correctional facilities. The males, old age, and persons from African and Asian countries had a higher risk of LTBI. The prevalence of LTBI among inmates of Saudi prisons could be predicted by knowing their age group.