KAP Study on Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism) in a Tertiary Care Hospital

OBJEVTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess health information seeking behavior and knowledge among patients thereby enhancing patient compliance and awareness. METHODOLOGY: This study which includes the prospective study with the total of 101 patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were included in the study. A detailed questionnaire was prepared to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices in patients who have been previously diagnosed to have thyroid disorders and who are on treatment. The patients were interviewed in their language using a validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis was assessed using mean, standard deviation and t-test.

RESULTS: A total of 101 female patients were enrolled in this study 91 patients were diagnosed hypothyroidism, 10 patients were diagnosed hyperthyroidism. which the age groups were in a range of above 20. High prevalence was observed in an age group of 50-60, patients 26 (28.50%) for hypothyroidism. High prevalence was observed in the age group of 50-60, patients 4 (40%) for hyperthyroidism. The study revealed that about 79.2% of the patients diagnosed with thyroid disorder had other comorbid conditions. CONCLUSION: General awareness about thyroid disease is poor with more than half of the population having incorrect knowledge, beliefs and practices. The understanding level of the patients towards thyroid disorder was improved after counselling (patient education) when compared to the assessment taken before counselling . The health care Professionals should focus not only on medication and dose adjustment but also on patient education. This study suggests that a good knowledge and awareness towards the condition increases the patient compliance towards medications and regular follow up.