Public Awareness and Knowledge of Thyroid Disorders in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine conditions; however, public awareness of these conditions remains insufficient in many regions. This study aimed to assess knowledge of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism among adults in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2024 among 401 adult residents in the Qassim region. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographic information and knowledge of thyroid disorders. Knowledge levels were classified as good or poor based on a median score of 13 out of 17 points. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, and chi-square test was used to examine associations (P<0.05). Results: Of the participants, 19% reported having thyroid disorders, with hypothyroidism being the most prevalent (59.3%). Knowledge of thyroid disorders was generally low, with only 44.1% of the participants demonstrating a good level of knowledge. Good knowledge was significantly higher among participants with thyroid disorders, those who consulted a doctor, and those who received drug treatment (P<0.05). Participants were aware of the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss (78.3%) and insomnia (82.8%), and symptoms of hypothyroidism, including weight gain (87%) and fatigue (84.8%). However, critical gaps remain, particularly regarding the hereditary nature of thyroid disorders and the effects of iodine-rich diets. Conclusions: This study highlights the insufficient public knowledge about thyroid disorders in the Qassim region. Health awareness campaigns targeting high-risk groups and focusing on symptom recognition, lifestyle factors, and prevention strategies are essential for improving public understanding and fostering early diagnosis and management.

References

1. 1.Mirghani H, Alquayr SM, Alanazi T, Alwakeel AA, Al Madshush AM, Alali HA, et al. Knowledge Assessment Regarding the Differences Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Among Saudi Arabia’s Adult Population. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 Apr 19 [cited 2024 Dec 10]; Available from: https://www.cureus.com/ articles/144843-knowledge-assessment-regarding-the-differences-between-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism-among-saudi-arabias-adult-population
2. 2.Almuzaini A, Alshareef B, Alghamdi S, Munshy A, Aljarallah A, Salman S, et al. Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding thyroid disorders among Saudi people. IJMDC. 2019;1070–6.
3. 3.Alqahtani SAM.Prevalence and Characteristics of Thyroid Abnormalities and Its Association with Anemia in ASIR Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Clinics and Practice.2021 Aug 6;11(3):494–504.
4. 4.Syed W,Samarkandi OA,Alsadoun A, 64 Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences,Vol.13, Issue2,April-2025,Shawwal-1446 Public Awareness and Knowledge ofThyroidDisordersintheQassimRegion,SaudiArabia:ACross-SectionalStudy Harbi MKA, Al-Rawi MBA. Evaluation of clinical knowledge and perceptions about the development of thyroid cancer—An observational study of healthcare undergraduates in Saudi Arabia.Front Public Health.2022 Aug 15;10:912424.
5. 5.Alshahrani RS, Mirghani H, Alharbi RT,Alenazi LM,Albalawi DL,Alomrani EMD,et al.Knowledge ofThyroid Disease Manifestation and Risk Factors Among the General Population in the Tabuk Region of Saudi Arabia. Cureus [Internet]. 2024 Mar 12 [cited 2024 Dec 13]; Available from: https:// www.cureus.com/articles/216656- knowledge-of-thyroid-disease-manifestation-and-risk-factors-among-thegeneral-population-in-the-tabuk-region-of-saudi-arabia
6. 6.Alghamdi K, Almaliki R, Almaliki K, AlzahraniW,MalyaniR,SamaranY,et al. Awareness and Knowledge of Saudi Community about Cardiac ComplicationsResultingfromHyperthyroidism. ijirms.2021 Jul 20;6(07):424–9.
7. 7.Alharazi RM, Almarri LK, Ibrahim HM, Abdulshakour LS, Ahmad MA, Bashool RA. Awareness of Thyroid DiseasesandTheirRiskFactorsAmong the Residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Cureus [Internet]. 2024 Jun 10 [cited 2024 Dec 10]; Available from: https:// www.cureus.com/articles/255815- awareness-of-thyroid-diseases-andtheir-risk-factors-among-the-residents-of-jeddah-saudi-arabia
8. 8.Alharbi MS, Alatni RI, Alhammad RA, Alotaibi MA, Alhatlani AH, Alshaya RH, et al. Knowledge and Awareness for the Early Detection and Intervention of Short Stature among Families in Qassim Region 2021– 2022: A Cross-Sectional study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2022 Sep 30;10(B):2355–60.
9. 9.Alhazmi RA, Alobaid AM, Althunayyan SM, Syed W, Al-Rawi MBA. A cross-sectional assessment of knowledge, awareness of risk factors, and perceptions of thyroid disease (TD) among adults living in Saudi Arabia – A community-based study. Front Public Health.2022 Nov 23;10:1041745. 10.Abozaid H, Albaqami RS, Aljuaid HM, Alotaibi EH, Althagafi AS, Alghamdi HA.Population awareness and knowledge of thyroid diseases signs, symptoms and risk factors inTaif Saudi Arabia. MS. 2022 Nov 14;26(129):1–