P103

1:Institute of Public Health , Tirana, Albania

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a global public health challenge. Beyond known risk factors such as malnutrition, smoking, alcohol use, and comorbidities, environmental determinants significantly influence both disease transmission and progression. This study investigates the impact of environmental factors—including air pollution, climate variability, migration, overcrowding, inadequate housing, and poor ventilation—on TB risk and geographic distribution. Data were collected from the Albanian National TB Program and the University Hospital “Shefqet Ndroqi” during 2023–2024. Approximately 400 hospitalized TB patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire assessing living conditions and environmental exposures. Of the respondents, 66.5% were male and 33.5% female; 62% resided in urban areas and 38% in rural regions. High air pollution affected 55% of participants, while 31% reported using wood for heating or cooking, particularly in rural zones. Dampness or mold was present in 28% of homes, and 19% of patients lived in poorly ventilated dwellings. Notably, 21% shared a room with at least three other individuals, a condition that facilitates airborne transmission. Migrants constituted 10% of cases, with many residing in overcrowded, unsanitary refugee settings. Furthermore, 25% of patients came from high-incidence areas, underscoring the association between environmental conditions and TB spread. Although Albania maintains a relatively low TB incidence (8.7 per 100,000), these findings underscore the need for an integrated strategy that addresses both health and environmental determinants. Sustainable TB control requires intersectoral collaboration and policy alignment to reduce exposure risks and improve population health outcomes