Association of Metabolic Status and Hemoglobin Levels with Presumptive Tuberculosis Symptoms Among Indonesian Migrant Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purnamawati Tjhin; Meiyanti Meiyanti; Kurniasari; Eveline Margo; Laurensia Lim

doi:10.55927/ijis.v5i5.31

Authors

Purnamawati Tjhin Universitas Trisakti
Meiyanti Meiyanti Univesitas Trisakti
Kurniasari Universitas Trisakti
Eveline Margo Univesitas Trisakti
Laurensia Lim Melati Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijis.v5i5.31

Keywords:

Tuberculosis, Migrant Workers, Cholesterol; Blood Glucose, Indonesia, Malaysia

Abstract

Indonesian migrant workers face heightened vulnerability to tuberculosis (TB) due to crowded living conditions, occupational exposures, and restricted healthcare access This study aimed to investigate the association between metabolic status (fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol) and hemoglobin levels with presumptive TB symptoms among Indonesian migrant workers residing in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 58 Indonesian migrant workers in Johor Bahru from April 2026. Presumptive TB was defined using an expanded symptom definition: ≥1 respiratory symptom (cough, productive cough, hemoptysis) OR ≥2 systemic symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss). Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and hemoglobin were measured from capillary blood. Data analysis used Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Among 58 participants (range 21-65 years, 67.2% female), 16 participants (27.6%) met the presumptive TB risk criteria. The most common symptoms were cough (19.0%) and night sweats (13.8%). Total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL was associated with higher TB risk (OR=3.67, 95% CI: 1.03-13.07, p=0.044). Hemoglobin and fasting glucose levels showed no significant association. Conclusion: Elevated total cholesterol is associated with heightened presumptive TB risk among Indonesian migrant workers. Metabolic screening, particularly lipid profiling, may enhance TB case detection in this vulnerable population.

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