The Effect of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention Knowledge and Training on Tuberculosis Infection Prevention Practices: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and remains a major public health challenge, with Indonesia ranking third globally in TB burden after India and China. Healthcare workers are at high risk of nosocomial TB infection, making infection control in healthcare settings a critical issue. TB infection control (TBIC) measures are the most cost-effective strategy to reduce TB transmission, and the knowledge and training of healthcare workers are essential to improve these practices. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of healthcare workers’ knowledge and TB infection prevention training on TBIC practices. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies published in the last 10 years using the PICO framework, with keywords including “healthcare workers,” “knowledge,” “TBIC training,” and “TBIC practice.” Seven cross-sectional studies from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, and Malaysia, comprising 3,999 participants, were included. Meta analysis results indicated that healthcare workers with good knowledge were significantly more likely to implement TBIC practices effectively (aOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.10–2.90; p < 0.001), and those who received TB infection prevention training also showed improved practices (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 0.81–3.06; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that enhancing knowledge and providing TB infection prevention training can significantly strengthen TBIC practices among healthcare workers, contributing to safer healthcare environments.