Background
Multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) brings major challenges to the health care workers (HCWs). This study is to determine the risk factors for MDR‐TB, latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and tuberculosis (TB) disease among HCWs in China.
Methods
A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for MDR‐TB, LTBI, and TB disease among HCWs using a random‐effects model, and the pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as effect indicators.
Results
We identified 46 eligible studies and found eight factors were associated with MDR. The ORs with 95% CI are migrant population 1.96 (95% CI, 1.50–2.57), low family income 2.23 (95% CI, 1.74–2.85), retreatment 7.22 (95% CI, 5.63–9.26), anti‐TB treatment history 5.65 (95% CI, 4.80–6.65), multiple episodes of treatment 3.28 (95% CI, 2.60–4.13), adverse reactions 3.48 (95% CI, 2.54–4.76), interrupted treatment 3.18 (95% CI, 2.60–3.89), and lung cavities 1.42 (95% CI, 1.14–1.77). Work duration as a HCW for 5 years and above increased the risk of LTBI and TB. HCWs aged 30 years and above were more susceptible to TB (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.37–2.09).
Conclusion
The risk factors for MDR‐TB in China are possibly migrant population, low family income, retreatment, anti‐TB treatment history, adverse reactions, interrupted treatment, and lung cavities. Longer work duration and greater age are risk factors for LTBI and TB among HCWs.
