Knowledge of Thyroid Disease Manifestations and Risk Factors Among population of the Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders are common endocrine disorders. They are frequently under-diagnosed. In general, lack of knowledge and understanding of thyroid disorder effects can lead patients to go undiagnosed. Objective: The objective of this research is estimation of the knowledge of thyroid disease manifestations and risk factors among population of the Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, was done in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. A multi-stage clustering sampling technique was used to select the participants. The contact information was collected randomly from those who agree to participate and according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then the questionnaire was send to the participant. Results: The study included 400 participants, of which 60% were females, and 40% were males. According to gender females had relevantly more knowledge than men in some aspects of knowledge, nevertheless, according to age, age group 35-50 years exhibited more significant knowledge especially in terminology and risk factors. According to education, university degree holders had more knowledge than high school degree holders, and for our surprise people with less degree had sometimes more knowledge than high school degree holders especially in terminology and risk factors. According to occupation, students exhibited more knowledge.                                                         Conclusion: Participants exhibited an acceptable knowledge level of thyroid disease manifestations and risk factors compared to previously reported figures. Future awareness campaigns are recommended to increase the general public's understanding of the features of thyroid problems.