Thyroid disorders are a prevalent health issue worldwide, affecting a significant proportion of the population. The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth and development. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to various disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter and thyroid nodules. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for thyroid disorders is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management [1-3].

Thyroid disorders can arise due to several factors, including autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease), iodine deficiency, genetic predisposition, certain medications and exposure to radiation. Each specific condition has its own underlying causes, requiring proper diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment approach [4-7].

Recognizing the symptoms associated with thyroid disorders is essential for early detection and timely intervention. Common symptoms may include fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, mood disturbances, irregular menstrual cycles and changes in heart rate. However, these symptoms can vary among individuals and may overlap with other health conditions, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Increasing patients' awareness of the diverse symptoms associated with thyroid disorders can contribute to early detection and proper management [8-11].

Treatment options for thyroid disorders depend on the specific condition and its severity. They may include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical intervention. Each treatment modality has its own benefits, risks and considerations. Educating patients about the available treatment options and their potential outcomes is essential for informed decision-making and patient adherence [12-15].

While research has been conducted on thyroid disorders in various populations, there is a need for local studies that focus on patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh. By evaluating the level of knowledge and awareness among these patients, this research article aims to address this gap and provide valuable insights into the understanding of thyroid disorders in the local context.

Improving patients' education and awareness about thyroid disorders can lead to several benefits, including early detection, appropriate management and improved quality of life. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in providing accurate information, addressing misconceptions and promoting effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Objectives of the Study

This objective of this research article is to assess the knowledge and perceptions regarding Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options for Thyroid disorders among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, located in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, India.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Hospital based cross-sectional survey design

• Setting of the Study: OPD in Civil hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between January 2023- April 2023

• Study Population: Patients aged above 18 years came to OPD 

Sample Size

About 400 Patients, assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options for Thyroid disorders, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level and 5% non response rate:

• Sampling Technique: Convenience Sampling technique

• Sampling Criteria: First five patients who came to OPD were selected everyday till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent was taken from them and confidentiality of the selected participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria: Patients who were willing to participate in the study.

• Exclusion Criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study

Description of Tool 

Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, gender, marital status, religion, employment, education, family’s monthly income etc.

Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 30 structured questions regarding Awareness about Thyroid Disorders, its symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures having three options i.e. Yes, No and Don’t Know. The participants have to choose right one. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 30 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as:

>80% (24-30) = very good, 60-79% (18-23) = Good,41-59% ( 12-17) = Fair,<40% (<12) = poor

Validity of tool = by the experts in this field.

Data collection by under the guidance of supervisors and patients were given 30 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time.

Data analysis with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage.

The goal of the current study was to assess the awareness regarding Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options for Thyroid disorders among patients attending outpatient department of Civil hospital, Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh.

A total of 400 respondents took part in the study, with 240 (60%) coming from rural areas and 160 (40%) from urban areas. The majority's participants included 388 (97 percent) Hindus, 262 (65.5%) males, 171 (42.75%) people in their 18 to 30s, 151 (37.75 percent) graduates, 262 (65.5%) working people and 237 (59.25%) married people (Table 1 and 2).

In the current study, 92 (23%) study participants had very excellent awareness of thyroid disorders (24-30 marks), 189 (47.25%) had good awareness (18-23 marks), 94 (23.5%) had fair awareness (12-17 points) and 25 (6.25%) had poor awareness (<12 marks) (Table 3).

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Study Participants

Table 2: Awareness about Thyroid Disorders, its Symptoms, Risk Factors and Preventive Measures Among Participants

Table 3: Awareness About Thyroid Disorders Among Study Participants    

The present study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness regarding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for thyroid disorders among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh. The results of the study provided valuable insights into the awareness and understanding of thyroid disorders in the local population.

The demographic characteristics of the participants revealed that a majority of the respondents were Hindus, males and married individuals. This distribution reflects the demographic composition of the study area and suggests that the findings can be representative of the population attending the Civil Hospital Jogindernagar. The higher representation of individuals from rural areas in the study sample highlights the need to focus on improving awareness and knowledge about thyroid disorders in these regions.

Regarding the level of awareness among the participants, the study found that a significant proportion had good to very excellent awareness of thyroid disorders. This indicates a positive trend in terms of general knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and treatment options for thyroid disorders among the study population. It is encouraging to note that nearly half of the participants had good awareness levels, suggesting that efforts made in patient education and awareness campaigns have had a positive impact.

However, it is important to highlight that a considerable proportion of participants still had fair to poor awareness levels regarding thyroid disorders. This finding underscores the need for further educational interventions and initiatives to address the knowledge gaps and misconceptions prevalent among these individuals. Targeted awareness programs can focus on increasing knowledge about the specific causes, symptoms and treatment options for different types of thyroid disorders, ensuring that individuals have accurate and up-to-date information.

When comparing the findings of this study with other relevant research, it is crucial to consider variations in the study population, methodology and geographical context. While direct comparisons can be challenging due to these differences, it is noteworthy that the levels of awareness observed in this study align with the findings of similar studies conducted in different regions. For instance, in the study by Alyahya et al. [5], the total mean knowledge score for symptoms and risk factors of thyroid illness was 8.67 (SD 3.69) and 44.7, 41.2 and 14.2%, respectively, were classified as having low, moderate and high knowledge. In a different study, Almuzain et al. [9] found that whereas only 42.68% of respondents had insufficient awareness about thyroid problems, 57.32% of respondents had a solid comprehension of them.

Improving awareness and understanding of thyroid disorders among patients can lead to several positive outcomes. Early detection of thyroid disorders is crucial for timely intervention and management. Increased knowledge about the causes and symptoms of thyroid disorders can help individuals recognize potential warning signs and seek medical attention promptly. Moreover, a well-informed patient population can actively participate in shared decision-making regarding treatment options, leading to improved adherence and overall treatment outcomes.

In conclusion, a significant proportion of participants demonstrated good awareness levels, there is still room for improvement, particularly among those with fair to poor awareness. Targeted educational interventions and awareness campaigns can bridge the knowledge gaps and empower patients to actively engage in their healthcare. Further research and collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers and community stakeholders can contribute to improved patient outcomes and overall management of thyroid disorders.

Limitations

Because the study's sample size and time frame are both set at 400 respondents and four months, it is possible that the scope and extent of the research that was conducted will be minimized. This poll was only conducted in one state of India, so its findings cannot be generalized to the entire nation.

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