Prevalence and Factors Associated with Tuberculosis Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Healthcare workers are exposed to an unhealthy environment that increases the risk of developing tuberculosis. Objective: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with tuberculosis among healthcare workers. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using six databases. Methodological quality was assessed according to JBI recommendations. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed for reporting. Results: Thirty-two articles were included in the evidence synthesis. The prevalence of tuberculosis among healthcare workers was found to be 15.92% 95% CI 8.49–27.88|I2 = 99% | p = 0. Female sex was associated with 1.37 times higher odds of infection 95% CI 0.68–2.38, I2 = 80%, p = 0.01. Advanced age increased the odds by 1.47 times 95% CI 1.33–4.62, I2 = 76%, p = 0.01. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis in the workplace and the implementation of continuing education programs with preventive strategies are essential to control contamination and the spread of the disease: CRD42022320153.