Abstract:
Objective To analyze tuberculosis (TB) screening data among middle and high school students in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (Qiannan prefecture), Guizhou province, in 2024 and determine the prevalence and influencing factors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), the findings aim to provide scientific evidence for the formulation and optimization of school-based TB preventive treatment strategies in Qiannan prefecture.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 to screen students from junior high school and above across 12 counties and cities in Qiannan prefecture for TB infection. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify influencing factors.
Results Among 142 574 students screened for TB infection, the weighted prevalence of LTBI was approximately 2.46% (95%CI: 2.38–2.54). Multivariate weighted analysis revealed that higher risk of LTBI among students in second-year junior high, second-year senior high, and second-year vocational school compared to those with first-year junior high school students (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.13−1.35, P<0.05; OR=2.07, 95%CI: 1.89−2.26, P<0.05; OR=2.33, 95%CI: 2.01−2.71, P<0.05). Compared with Sandu Shui Autonomous County, students in the other 11 counties showed a significantly higher risk of LTBI (all P<0.05). Additionally, students with a history of close contact with bacteriologically confirmed TB cases within the past three months had a markedly higher risk of LTBI compared to those without such contact (OR=15.86, 95%CI: 11.00−22.88, P<0.05).
Conclusion The 2024 survey revealed a relatively low prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among secondary school students across 12 counties (cities) in Qiannan prefecture. The infection rate was influenced by factors including grade level, geographical location, and history of close contact with TB patients. Future prevention efforts should prioritize high-risk populations, particularly senior-grade students, residents in high-prevalence areas, and close contacts of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients.