A cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding thyroid disorder among university students, Chandigarh, India

Abstract

Background: Globally, despite being the most prevalent chronic medical condition, thyroid disorder is one of the most under-diagnosed and overlooked health problems which account for a significant number of complaints in adolescents, and adults. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness among students related to the spectrum of thyroid diseases.Methods: This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study conducted at Panjab University, Chandigarh, India between February 2020 and August 2020. Purposive sampling was employed. The nature of the data was quantitative and was analyzed through statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (version 20.0).Results: Out of 224 students enrolled, of which 60.7% were females, 38.9% were males, and 0.4% transgender with a mean age of 23.52±2.47 (max-min=18-32 years). Around 45.2%, 55.7%, and 46.1% students had incorrect/no knowledge that irregular menstrual cycles, swelling in the neck, and stress/depression were manifestations of thyroid disorder, respectively. Students had poor knowledge regarding various risks associated with thyroid such as infertility (56.2%), hereditary disorder (46.1%), and medications causing thyroid (58%). 65.7% were not aware that thyroid disorder affects the level of IQ. 43.4% respondents undergone thyroid screening on the suggestion of a doctor (50.5%), while 7.4% self-prescribed themselves after reading on online portals. Significant associations were found between gender and the different levels of knowledge and awareness.Conclusions: This study identified significant lacuna in the knowledge and awareness about the symptoms, factual statements, and fallacies associated with the thyroid disorder.