Abstract: Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among newly detained populations in eastern China, to identify high-risk groups, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating tuberculosis prevention and control strategies in the prison system. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to the newly admitted detainees in two prisons in eastern China in 2022. Data of demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors and previous disease history of the research subjects were collected through a structured questionnaire survey. The LTBI status of the detainees was detected by QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) method. Categorical variables were tested using the χ² test, and continuous variables were tested using the t-test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Variables were selected by Lasso regression, and the independent risk factors for LTBI were identified by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 305 research subjects were included in the study, including 100 females and 205 males. Their ages were concentrated between 31 and 40 years old, and the LTBI rate was 14.75%. After comparing the demographic characteristics of LTBI and Non-LTBI groups, it was found that smoking history (χ²=7.40, P=0.025), drug use history (χ²=5.49, P=0.019), and human immunodeficiency virus（HIV）infection (χ²=8.12, P=0.004) were statistically correlated with LTBI infection. The results of multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that smoking adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.08, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) : 1.60-10.42, P=0.003 and positive HIV infection (aOR =11.57, 95%CI:) 2.50-53.51, P=0.002) and drug use (aOR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.02-9.09, P=0.046) were risk factors for LTBI. Conclusion: The infection rate of LTBI among newly admitted detainees in eastern China is slightly lower than those detained in the custody for a long time. Therefore, early screening and intervention measures should be implemented for newly detained individuals. Smoking history and HIV infection are the main risk factors for LTBI. It is recommended that when LTBI screening is implemented in the prison system, special attention should be paid to high-risk groups with a history of smoking, drug use and HIV infection. In addition, surveillance on male detainees should be intensified to reduce the risk of transmission.