Frequancy of thyroid disordersamong patients in ATBARA and ELDAMER teaching hospitals in Jan 2024_ Jan 2025

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Thyroid diseases represent a significant worldwide public health problem, primarily occurring in women and often being linked to iodine deficiency. In Sudan, while prevalence has been reported, few up-to-date localized epidemiological data exist, particularly from Northern regions like Atbara. This paucity of data hinders effective health planning and improved patient outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and types of thyroid diseases among patients attending the Medicine and Surgery Departments of Atbara Teaching Hospital and Aldamar Teaching Hospital between January 2024 and January 2025. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at Atbara Teaching Hospital and Aldamar Teaching Hospital. Convenience sample of 103 adult patients (male and female and across age) with a laboratory and/or clinical diagnosis established thyroid disease was drawn from surgical and internal medicine wards. Patient records and questionnaire were utilized to capture data on type of thyroid disorder, medications at the time of present, demographics, clinical presentation, history of surgery, and thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4). Statistical procedures were conducted using SPSS. Results: The cohort consisted of 103 participants, of whom the majority were female (61%) with a median age of 35 years (interquartile range: 27-48 years) and residing predominantly in urban locations (53%). The most common thyroid illnesses diagnosed were Goiter (25%), Hypothyroidism (24%), and Hyperthyroidism (17%). A majority of patients (59%) had a history of thyroid surgery, and 30% were on thyroid medications. The most frequently found symptom was neck swelling (46.6%), followed by tachycardia (28.2%) and general fatigue (21.4%). Thyroid function tests in patients with known test results showed diverse abnormalities: 15.5% with elevated TSH, 8.7% with extremely low TSH, 10.7% with elevated T3, and 10.7% with elevated T4, collectively indicating a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are a significant health problem among patients within Atbara Teaching Hospital and Aldamar Teaching Hospital, predominantly in young to middle-aged women. The findings of high incidence of goiter, hypothyroidism, and V hyperthyroidism, coupled with the high rates of surgical history and present medication, indicate an emergent need for better awareness, early screening, improved diagnostic facilities, and simplified management strategies in order to improve thyroid outcome in this region. Keywords: Goiter, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid diseases, Atbara Teaching Hospital and Aldamar Teaching Hospital, Sudan, Epidemiology, Women's health, Public health