"Study on the Prevalence of Goiter and Associated Factors Among Hospitalized Patients of District Timergara, Dir Lower Pakistan"

Abstract

Introduction:Goiter is a condition characterized by enlargement of the thyroid gland by the time one reaches puberty. Several genetic and environmental factors contribute to thyroid disease. Thyroid gland enlargement is frequently observed in clinical practice as a result of iodine deficiency, an increase in TSH levels, natural goitrogen, smoking, and insufficient selenium and iron. These conditions are usually associated with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or with elevated TSH levels. Objective:The main purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of goiter in the lower Dir population and categorize it on the basis of age, gender, size and visibility.Methods: In the descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study, 405 patients were included between July 2020 and June 2021. Individual data including occupation, ethnicity, gender, age, residential area, economic status, physical appearance of the goiter, and status of education were collected using a structured questionnaire. In accordance with WHO guidelines, goiters were assessed for each subject. Results:The difference between goiter prevalence in the sexes is well documented, with a higher frequency in women. The study concluded that the prevalence of goiter was overwhelmingly higher in women (n=247/61.0%) than in men (n=158/39.0%) and among people with grade 2 visible goiter was relatively high (n=176/43.5%). A subgroup analysis revealed that many patients (n=272/67.2%) were not aware of goiter, and also that the number of illiterate people (n=267/65.7%) was higher than literate people (n=138/34.1%). Conclusion:The study area has a high prevalence of goiter, so the health sector should increase community awareness of iodized salt and foods rich in iodine through disseminating key messages about these foods.

Prevalence of Goiter Disease to the Human Population of District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

“…In contrast to Kohat district, where male prevalence was slightly higher than females, the Buner district displayed a stark disparity, with female cases constituting 78% of the total. Notably, the highest prevalence was observed in the 70-year age group for males and the 50-year age group for females, marking a divergence from trends in Kohat and mirroring the findings from Timergara (Dir Lower), where females also manifested higher rates of goiter (15). The study's results corroborate the hypothesis that goiter is more common in hilly areas, a finding consistent with the elevated numbers in Dir Lower and Buner, as opposed to plain regions.…”

“…This region is characterized by its diverse topography, ranging from an elevation of 1,200 feet in Totalai (Khudukhel) to the lofty 9,550 feet of Dosara Peak. The hilly terrain, rich in minerals, has become a significant symbol of commerce in the area (15). The study's design was aimed at assessing the prevalence of common goiter disorders, as well as understanding the level of knowledge and awareness among the local population, particularly those experiencing abnormal thyroid conditions.…”

“…With recent studies indicating variable prevalence of thyroid disorders in Pakistan and ongoing public health concerns regarding iodine deficiency, this study is poised to contribute significantly to the global understanding of goiter (13,14). Its findings are especially pertinent considering the disproportionate effect on women of reproductive age, with broader implications for maternal and child health (15). Employing epidemiological analysis and clinical examination, the study aims to unravel the prevalence and primary factors contributing to goiter in District Buner.…”

Comparison of Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytopathology with Histopathological Examination of the Thyroid Gland in Patients Undergoing Elective Thyroid Surgery: Do We Still Need Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytopathology?

“…Goiters are a common endocrine disorder affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide, with more than half of those affected being unaware of their condition [2].…”