College of Health Sciences

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Start date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.Tigray

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    Assessment of Preterm Birth and Predictive Factors at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: An Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis
    (Mekelle University, 2025-08-28) DANIEL ABATE
    Background: Preterm birth is a major public health concern due to its important impact on infant mortality and morbidity. Previous studies conducted in Ethiopia have examined the prevalence and risk factors of preterm birth, using a binary outcome of preterm birth, without considering the severity of preterm birth. Objective: -To assess Predictive Factors of Preterm Birth severity at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North Ethiopia from 2018 to 2020. Methods: A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 2082 preterm and term neonates from February 2018 to May 2020 at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The minimum sample size was 538. All preterm and term neonates were included in this study. Ordinal logistic regression with partial proportional odd model (PPOM) was used to determine predictors of preterm. Parallel line assumption was tested using Brant test. Odd Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of association between independent and dependent variables. Result- The overall prevalence of preterm was found to be 36.7% (95%C. I:34.67, 38.86). Being having congenital malformation the odd very preterm versus (moderate preterm, late preterm and term) increased by OR= 2.295(95% C.I :1.566,3.363) times. Being having multiple gestation the odd very preterm versus (moderate preterm, late preterm and term) increased by OR= 2.319(95% C.I:1.526,3.524) times, Being having history of preterm birth the odd very preterm versus (moderate preterm, late preterm and term) increased by OR= 10.03(95% C.I:6.803,14.788). Being having hypertension the odd having higher preterm level increased by OR= 3.835(95% C.I:2.036,7.226). Being having ANC visit the odd of having higher preterm level decreased by 91.8% OR= 0.182(95% C.I:0.039,0.841). Conclusions and Recommendations- in the PPOM, the variables congenital malformation, multiple gestation, history of preterm birth, hypertension, and malaria infection, had a positive significant association with the odd of preterm birth, whereas ANC visit had a negative significant effect. In order to decrease the probability of preterm birth, every mother should prevent chronic disease by changing life style. Health professional should provide health education, early screening of chronic disease and aware mothers to have appropriate ANC follow up during prenatal period.
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    Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of cystic echinococcosis in humans and slaughtered cattle in peri-urban dogowning smallholder farms in Mekelle zone, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-28) MESSELE GEBREMICAEL
    Background: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, poses significant public health and economic challenges in Ethiopia. Despite its impact, data on its prevalence in humans, slaughtered cattle, and dogs particularly in the Tigray Regional State, remain limited. Objective: Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of cystic echinococcosis in humans and slaughtered cattle in peri-urban dog- owning smallholder farms in Mekelle zone, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2024 to March 2025 involving 832 human participants, 212 cattle, and 384 dogs. Human participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique, while the peri-urban smallholder farms owning dogs were purposively selected in the Mekelle Zone. Hydatidosis screening was performed using abdominal ultrasound, and laboratory analysis was conducted on specimens from slaughtered cattle and fecal samples from their dogs. Microscopic examination (40×) was used to detect hydatid cysts in cattle and taeniid eggs in dog feces. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors associated with CE at a significance level of p < 0.05. Result: The overall prevalence of CE from six purposively selected sub-districts of Mekelle zone was found to be 0.24% (2/832) in humans, 22.64% (48/212) in cattle, and 17.45% (67/384) in dogs. The two human cases involved a 45-year-old male, and 50-yearold women. In cattle, distribution of cysts was primarily found (68.75%) in the lungs and (25.0%) in liver and (2.08%) each in the kidneys, heart, and spleen. Fertility and viability in cattle (68.8%) in lungs and (25.0%) in liver. CE prevalence was higher in male cattle (24.52%) than in females (16.0%), and poor body condition (40.0%) compared to those with medium (22.45%), and good (17.07%). Backyard-slaughtered cattle had a higher infection rate (34.69%) than those slaughtered in abattoirs (19.01%). Factors significantly associated with CE in cattle included age, sex, body condition, and slaughter location (p < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis adult cattle (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI:1.501,4.400; P = 0. 001), cattle with poor body condition score (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI: 2.177,7.618; P = 0.000), and cattle slaughtered at backyard slabs (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.300,3.940; P = 0.004) were more likely to acquire hydatid cysts than the others. After adjusting for potential confounders, dogs with stray roaming behavior (AOR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.11–7.71; p = 0.029) and feed raw offal (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.38–5.93; p = 0.005) had significantly higher odds of CE infection. Conclusion: The present study showed that CE is a considerably prevalent disease in human, cattle and dogs in the study area. This emphasizes the need to avoid backyard slaughter practice, unsafe offal feeding of dogs, and proper waste disposal which requires public awareness on the use of abattoirs.
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    Unveiling the Hidden Burden of Neural Tube Defects Crisis: A Triple-Lens Investigation of Prevalence, Risk Factors and Maternal Folate Deficiency in War-Torn Tigray, Northern Ethiopi
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-12) Birhane Alem Berihu
    Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most severe congenital anomalies globally, with disproportionately high prevalence in low-resource settings. The Tigray regional state in northern Ethiopia, already facing one of the highest NTD burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, has endured an extensive armed conflict for several decades and as recently as in 2020, resulting in the collapse of its healthcare system, widespread famine, and profound maternal health challenges. Despite anecdotal reports of increased birth defects during the conflict, empirical data have been lacking. Objective: This dissertation aimed to assess the prevalence, and associated factors of NTDs in war affected areas of Tigray. It also evaluated maternal red blood cell (RBC) folate levels in NTD high-risk regions to explore biochemical risk factors contributing to these anomalies. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed across three interrelated studies. Quantitative data were obtained through hospital-based retrospective chart reviews, prospective observational assessments, and laboratory analyses of RBC folate concentrations in first-trimester pregnant women. Socio demographic, obstetric, nutritional, and biochemical variables were analyzed to identify risk factors associated with NTDs. Results: The findings revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of NTDs (262 per 10, 000 births) in the conflict-affected health facilities of Tigray, significantly exceeding national and regional estimates. Risk factor analysis of our study showed strong links between NTDs and factors such as young maternal age, rural residence, unplanned pregnancy, poor prenatal care, low education, high birth order, and lack of folic acid use. Additional risks included poor folate awareness, food insecurity, low dietary diversity, violence exposure, and limited healthcare access. Biochemical assays showed widespread deficiencies in RBC folate among pregnant women in high-risk areas, with levels frequently falling below WHO recommended thresholds for NTD prevention, with dietary diversity strongly influencing folate status, emphasizing the key role of nutrition in NTD prevention. Conclusion: This study demonstrates an alarming surge in NTDs in war-affected Tigray, primarily driven by widespread folate deficiency, poor dietary diversity, and the collapse of maternal health services. Additional risk was compounded by key socio demographic factors such as low education attainment, rural residence, and limited reproductive autonomy. These findings underscore how conflict magnifies preventable health crises through the convergence of nutritional, medical, and social failures. Hence, efforts should prioritize the restoration of antenatal care services, targeted folic acid supplementation for women of reproductive age, and community-based nutrition education to improve dietary diversity. In the longer term, food fortification with folic acid should be considered once health systems stabilize. These targeted interventions fall within the study’s evidence base and are feasible within conflict-affected and resource-limited contexts.
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    GEOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES AND DETERMINANTS OF FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE UTILIZATION IN POST-WAR TIGRAY: A SPATIAL AND LATENT CLASS APPROACH
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-25) MOHAMEDAWEL MOHAMEDNIGUSS
    Background: Family health services are services that mainly emphasize the well-being of a mother and her baby. The recent war in Tigray has significantly disrupted the utilization of family health services. Despite the availability of studies that assessed family health service utilization in Tigray during the post-war period, none of these studies have attempted to identify latent classes of family health service utilization and evaluate their spatial distribution patterns. Objective: To assess the geographic disparities and determinants of family health service utilization in post-war Tigray Methods and Materials: Secondary data of 2342 women collected through a community-based cross-sectional study design was used. The data were collected from January 16 to February 14, 2024. This study included 24 districts and 78 enumeration areas in the Tigray region of Ethiopia selected by a multistage stratified random sampling technique. A structured checklist was developed to extract data. The outcome variable was the latent class of family health service utilization and classified as good, fair, and poor. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, latent class analysis, and hotspot analysis. Result: The median age of the women was 28 years. Concerning class distribution, 685 (29.25%, 95% CI: 27.43% to 31.12%), 1462 (62.43%, 95% CI: 60.45% to 64.37%), and 195 (8.33%, 95% CI: 7.26% to 9.50%) of women belonged to the good, fair, and poor classes, respectively. Factors that increased the likelihood of being in the poor or combined fair and poor classes included being a teenager (AOR=3.72, 95% CI: 2.10, 6.58), being a mother with no formal education (AOR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.64), husband with no formal education (AOR=1.63,95% CI: 1.25, 2.14), husband with primary education (AOR=1.28, 95% CI:1.01, 1.62), living in rural areas (AOR=2.94, 95% CI:1.69, 5.13), lack of media exposure (AOR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.71), multiparity (AOR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.60, 3.76) and grand multiparity (AOR=3.34, 95% CI: 2.27, 4.91). The latent classes showed a significant spatial clustering (Moran’s I = 0.119, Z-score = 13.008, and p < 0.001), with hot-spot areas of poor family health service utilization identified in districts such as Hintalo, Abergelle Yechila, Kola Temben, Hawzen, Enderta, Degua Temben, and Geralta. Conclusions and recommendations: Several factors were associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the poor or combined poor and fair classes. This study also identified geographically underserved areas in terms of utilization of family health services. Therefore, more emphasis and priority should be given to these underserved areas. Women's empowerment should be taken into account in terms of access to education, media, and family health services. The media-driven health education programs should be strengthened.
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    Predicting birth asphyxia in newborns via supervised machine learning: a cross sectional study in Tigray, Ethiopia 2025
    (Mekelle University, 2025-07-22) GOITOM YEMANE
    Background: Birth asphyxia, a critical condition characterized by insufficient oxygen supply to a newborn before, during, or after birth, is the second leading cause of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. It contributes substantially to preventable neonatal morbidity and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. The burden is especially high in low-resource regions like Tigray, where healthcare systems have been severely impacted by conflict and limited infrastructure. Early and accurate prediction of at-risk newborns is essential, and supervised machine learning (ML) offers a powerful data-driven solution to support clinical decision-making. Objective: To predict birth asphyxia in newborns using supervised machine learning: a cross sectional study in Tigray, Ethiopia (2025). Methods: An institution-based prospective study was conducted among 1014 mothers and their newborns who delivered at four selected hospitals in Tigray (Ayder, Mekelle, Quiha, and Wukro) between February 25 and April 10, 2025. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit eligible participants. The dataset underwent thorough preprocessing, including handling missing values, one-hot encoding, normalization, hybrid feature selection approach, and class balancing. Seven ML models—logistic regression, support vector machine, decision tree, random forest (RF), naive bayes, k-nearest neighbors, and extreme gradient boosting were trained and evaluated. The data were split into 80% for training and 20% for testing, with model performance assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals. Shapley Additive Explanations was employed for model interpretability, validated across cross-validation folds. Results: Of the 1014 neonates included, 195 (19.2%) were diagnosed with birth asphyxia based on APGAR scores and physician confirmation. The random forest classifier achieved the best performance, with an AUC of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98–1.00) and Brier score of 0.0099 (95% CI: 0.008–0.012). SHAP analysis identified fetal heart rate (38.6%), birth weight (11.2%), mal-presentation (8.1%), hypothermia (7.7%), referral status (7.5%), and prolonged labor (6.5%) are collectively contributing 79.6% to the model’s predictive capacity, consistent across folds (standard deviation of SHAP values <0.02). Conclusion: The RF model demonstrated excellent performance in predicting birth asphyxia and offered strong interpretability. Nearly 80% of the model's predictive power was explained by a small number of clinically actionable variables. These findings support the integration of interpretable machine learning tools into routine labor management to reduce birth asphyxia. Future external validation and deployment as a web-based tool are planned.
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    Magnitude and Associated Factors of Oligohydramnios Among Third Trimester Pregnant Women Attending at Mekelle Public Hospitals, Tigray, Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross Sectional Study
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) SHUSHAY TEKULU
    Background: Oligohydramnios is a condition where amniotic fluid volume is lower than expected for gestational age. It is the most common amniotic fluid disorder and the leading cause of severe fetal and maternal adverse outcomes. Despite the severity of the problem, studies regarding the magnitude and associated factors of oligohydramnios in third-trimester pregnancy were limited in Ethiopia, mainly in the study area. Objective: To assess magnitude and associated factors of oligohydramnios among women in the third trimester of pregnancy at Mekelle public hospitals, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2024/2025. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December/1/2024 to May/30/2025 in Mekelle city. We included pregnant women using consecutive sampling technique using predefined inclusion criteria. Interview using structured questionnaire was employed to collect socioeconomic and demographic, lifestyle, medical and obstetric related data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize data. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with oligohydramnios in third-trimester of pregnancy. Variables with P<0.05 in multi-variable analysis were declared statistically significant & interpreted using AOR with 95% CI. Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess model fitness & it was insignificant (P=0.956), indicating a good-fitted model for the data. The maximum VIF was 1.12, telling that no Multicolinearity issue among covariates. Results: The mean age of the study participant, 356 with a 100% response rate, was a 28.2±5.06 years. The magnitude of oligohydramnios in third trimester of pregnancy was 7.9% (95% CI: 5.3-11.2%). Women with a history of diabetes mellitus [AOR=4.12 (95% CI: 1.26-13.53)], hypertension [AOR=6.12 (95% CI: 1.82-20.59)], anemia [AOR=4.63 (95% CI: 1.61-13.37)], hyperemesis gravid arum [AOR=4.76 (95% CI: 1.82-12.48)], post-term pregnancy [AOR=7.22 (95% CI: 1.41-36.98)] and fetal factors, including congenital anomalies [AOR=7.60 (95% CI: 1.81-31.94)] and intrauterine growth restriction [AOR=5.87 (95% CI: 1.42-24.32)], were significantly associated with an increased odds of oligohydramnios. Conclusion & Recommendations: 7.9% of pregnant women had sustained oligohydramnios. Maternal diabetes, hypertension, anemia, hyperemesis gravid arum, post-term pregnancy, fetal congenital anomalies and intrauterine growth restriction were identified as significant risk factors for oligohydramnios. We recommend increased surveillance for oligohydramnios focusing on the identified risks, maternal life style modifications & regular antenatal checkups in pregnancy.
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    Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus, and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in selected general hospitals of Mekelle and Eastern zone of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) SENAIT KEBEDE
    Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) share common transmission risk factors and represent significant global public health challenges. They are major contributors to morbidity and mortality among pregnant women, especially in low and middle-income countries. However, there is limited local data on the burden of these infections among pregnant women in the study area collectively. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B viruses (HBV) and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in selected general hospitals of Mekelle and Eastern Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Method: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to April 2025 in selected general hospitals of Mekelle and Eastern zones of Tigray. Socio-demographic risk factors data and blood sample were collected from the 238 pregnant women. Rapid diagnostic tests were used to detect HBV and HIV. HBV confirmation with Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) was also performed. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive and Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between variables. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistical significant. Result: The overall seroprevalence of HBV and HIV were 9.7% and 4.2% respectively. However, no cases of HBV/HIV co-infection were identified. Among the three sites the seroprevalence of HBV and HIV were 8.9% & 3.7%, 8% & 2.7% and 11.9% & 6% in Adigrat, Wukro and Mekelle respectively. Variables like older age (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.01–9.46, P = 0.047), history of liver disease (AOR = 23.67, 95% CI: 3.55–158.01, P = 0.001), history of abortion (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.05-0.96; p=0.043), nose piercing (AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.35, 11.92; p=0.013) and history of sexually transmitted infection(AOR: 5.94, 95% CI: 1.41-24.99; p=0.015) were revealed significant association with seroprevalence of HBV while knowledge about transmission of HIV (Exact OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02–0.72, p = 0.0219) was the only variable significantly associated with of HIV infection. Conclusion: The overall seroprevalence of HBV among pregnant women attending antenatal care was high according to WHO classification. The current HIV prevalence lies within the range of the pooled HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Ethiopia
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    Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Associated Risk factors Among Fistula patients at Hamlin Fistula Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, North of Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) KASECH FITSUM TEDLA
    Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, both in the community and hospital. UTIs are a significant cause of hospital admissions, a widespread concern, affecting millions of people worldwide and causing significant morbidity, mortality, and serious healthcare costs. Patients with obstetric fistula usually suffer from urinary and stool incontinence that can predispose them to frequent infections with urinary tract infection. Despite this fact, there is lack of data on the prevalence, causative pathogens, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of UTIs, particularly in lower resource settings like Tigray, Ethiopia. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of bacterial urinary tract infection, evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and identify associated risk factors among fistula patients at Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2025 at Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Mekelle, Tigray. Socio-demographic characteristics and other urinary tract infection related risk factors were collected from study participants using structured questionnaires. The mid-stream urine was collected and cultured on Cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar, and MacConkey agar. Bacterial isolates of gram negative and gram positive were characterized using series of biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disc diffusion method and interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI2020) guidelines. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: Out of the 151 patients sampled, 104 (68.8.6%) were found to have significant bacteria infecting the urinary tract. Isolation of significant bacteriuria was strongly associated with the history of previous UTI and history of catheterization (p=0.01). Eight different species of bacterial uropathogens were identified from the samples. The bacteria isolated were 94.2 % gram negative and 5.8% gram positive. The most predominant bacteria identified were E. coli followed by P.vulgaris. The isolated bacteria had shown the highest resistance rate (72.2%) to Tetracyllin followed by Ampicillin (69.2%) and highest susceptibility to Amikacin (100%) followed by Meropenem (98.1%). Twenty-six of the isolated bacteria (98) were found to be ESBL-producing gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion and recommendation: The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection among fistula patients is high. The predominant pathogen of UTI isolated was E. coli followed by P.vulgaris and K. peumoniae. All the bacterial isolates have shown multiple antibiotic resistance pattern. Based on the findings of the present study, routine screening, urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are recommended for all fistula patients.
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    Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Extended Spectrum Betalactamase Producing Bacterial Species From Catheterized Pat Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle General Hospitals,Northen Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) GEBREGIORGIS ASSEFA
    Background: Extended spectrum beta –lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are a public health problem globally, more than700000 deaths occur every year by multi-drug resistance. Patients catheter associated urinary tract infection and among the most affected by ESBL producing bacteria which results in increases the cost of medical care, extend hospital stay and mortality which needs to undergo regular surveillance and intervention. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of extended spectrum beta –lactamase producing bacteria and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among catheterized patients at Ayder compressive specialist Hospital and Mekelle General Hospital. Methods:A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on 310catheterized patients from October1/2023 to February30, 2024.Urine specimen (5-10mL) from patients catheterized with indwelling urinary catheters were collected in to a sterile labeled container. Urine specimens were delivered to the laboratory immediately and processed within 2hours.Each urine sample was inoculated onto MacConnkey agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Extend spectrum beta lactamace producing bacteria detection were done using biochemical and culture characteristics method and antimicrobial susceptibility tests to isolated bacterial pathogens was done using the disc diffusion technique. The data was entered and analyzed using Epidata version 3 and SPSS version 20, Chi-square was used to assess association between variables and then logistic regression was used to measure strengths of association, p-values less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: The results show that 37/310(11.9%) of the participants had bacteria. Of these,Escherichia Coli 32/37 (86.5%), K.pnuemoniae 3/37(8.1%) and mixed (E.coli and K.pnuemoniae) 2/37(5.4%). ESBL was seen in 13/37(35.1%) of the bacterial isolated and was all seen on Escherichia coli, 13/13 (100%) isolates. Altogether 100% (n=37) isolates were sensitive to meropnem, 83.8% (n=31) to nitrofurantoin, and 59.5% (n=22) to gentamicin. 64.8% (n=24) isolates were resistant to antibiotic ampicillin while 29.7% (n=11) were found as multidrug resistant (MDR). Conclusion:Most ESBL-producing bacteria were E.coli, The prevalence of ESBL producing bacteria were on patients who admitted at medical ward. Microbiological-based therapy for patients with UTIs is essential at my study site due to high rates of ESBL production with concomitant high rates of drug resistance to several antibiotics.
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    PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF PLUMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AMONG PRISONERS IN SHIRE, AXUM AND ADWA PRISON CENTRS
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) GIRMASLASIE FISEHA
    Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis is a contagious airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and remains a significant global public health problem. Prisons, due to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and limited healthcare services, present a high-risk environment for TB transmission and progression. In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, challenges such as inadequate diagnostic capacity and insufficient data hinder effective TB control among incarcerated populations. Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and identify its associated risk factors among prisoners in Shire, Axum, and Adwa correctional facilities in Tigray, Ethiopia, over the period from December, 2024 to May, 2025. Methodology: An institutional-based cross-sectional design was employed to enroll 265 prisoners presenting with TB symptoms. Structured questionnaires were collected socio-demographic and clinical information, including HIV status, history of smoking, and incarceration-related exposures. Sputum samples were collected and analyzed using Ziehl-Neelsen staining and the Gen-expert MTB/RIF assay. Results: A total of 265 prisoners were enrolled in this study, drawn from a total incarcerated population of 3,180 inmates across the three prison centers in Shire, Axum, and Adwa, located in northern Ethiopia. The study identified 5 bacteriologically confirmed TB cases, yielding a point prevalence of 1.9% (95% CI: 0.6%–4.3%) among the study participants. Occupation prior to imprisonment was significantly related to TB status: prisoners who had been governmentemployed or self-employed had significantly lower odds of TB infection compared to those who had been daily laborers or unemployed (exact AOR = 0.119, 95% CI: 0.000–0.946, p = 0.0432). Prisoners who were HIV-negative or whose HIV status was unknown had significantly lower odds of TB compared to HIV-positive individuals (exact AOR = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.001–0.722, p = 0.0281). Conclusions and Recommendations: The prevalence of PTB was high in these prison centers. There should be an intensified implementation of TB screening among high-risk inmates, particularly those with a history of unemployment, HIV infection, smoking, or TB symptoms.