Tuberculosis-preventive therapy in mining communities: A scoping review

ObjectiveThis scoping review will describe existing programs that involve the provision of tuberculosis-preventive therapy (TPT) to mining populations in order to inform the design of future TPT programs and make meaningful steps towards protecting this high-risk population against TB. IntroductionMining is associated with several occupational lung diseases such as silicosis and strongly predisposes mineworkers to a variety of pulmonary infections, most significantly tuberculosis (TB). Studies have reported TB prevalences of 17-30% in mining communities, and latent TB infection (LTBI) prevalences of as high as 70-90%. Small randomized control trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the potential of TPT to reduce the incidence of active TB and the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends regular LTBI screening among active and former miners and the provision of TPT for those who screen positive. However, TPT programs remain scarce and there is limited understanding and consensus on how to approach their design and implementation in mining communities. This scoping review will gather details on implementation strategies for TPT programs among miners with the goal of understanding the work that has already taken place and creating a framework that will inform the design of future TPT programs. Inclusion criteriaDocuments eligible for inclusion are primary research studies and case studies or series (including secondary data analyses) that describe a program or protocol that involves the provision of TPT to a population of miners (inclusion of non-mining household contacts or close contacts is permissible). Studies must have been published on or prior to May 20th, 2025 and must have an English version available. MethodsThis scoping review will be conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence with special attention to Chapter 10 on Scoping Reviews. The following databases will be used to identify eligible studies - Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and Global Health. Data will be reviewed and extracted by two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer serving as tie-breaker in the event of disagreement. Data extraction will utilize a data extraction form through REDCap. Data will be analyzed and presented in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews extension (PRISMA-ScR) guidance.