An epidemiological survey of thyroid disease among population aged over 18 in 3 districts of Xiamen City of Fujian Province

Abstract

Objective To explore the prevalence and mortality of thyroid disease and influence factors among the population over 18 years old in Xiamen City, and to provide evidence for establishment of prevention and control strategy. Methods More than 3 300 permanent residents over 18 years old in Siming, Huli, and Haicang districts of Xiamen City were selected by the cluster and stratified sampling methods from April 2012 to August 2013. Data about the prevalence and related factors of the thyroid disease was collected by self-reported questionnaire. Data related to mortality of thyroid disease among the household registration population of Xiamen City from January 1st, 2012 to December 31, 2013 was collected from the Xiamen City Municipal Death Surveillance System. Statistical analysis was performed. Results The prevalence of thyroid disease was 0.82% (85/10 340) in 3 districts of Xiamen City. The prevalence rates of hyperthyroidism, thyroid cyst, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism and thyroid nodule were 0.36% (37/10 340), 0.13% (13/10 340), 0.10% (10/10 340), 0.07% (7/10 340) and 0.07% (7/10 340), respectively. Gender difference was observed with significance (χ2 = 28.48, P < 0.01), to be more detailed, the prevalence of male population was 0.35% (18/5 170), and the corresponding rate for the counterpart was 1.30% (67/5 170). The prevalence for aged 18 -, 30 -, 40 -, 50 -, 60 -and 70 -were 0.23% (7/3 063), 0.85% (18/2 124), 1.15% (21/1 834), 1.05% (23/2 181), 1.42% (11/772) and 1.37% (5/366), respectively, and significance was obtained when comparing the prevalence between different ages (χ2 = 21.81, P < 0.01). Among them, the aged 60 -had the highest prevalence while 18 -had the lowest. The rates in widowed, divorced, married and single were 1.39% (4/288), 1.06% (1/94), 0.97% (74/7 632) and 0.26% (6/2 326), respectively, and significance was obtained when comparing the prevalence between different marital status (χ2 = 2 219.41, P < 0.01). In occupation we also observed significant difference (χ2 = 27.58, P < 0.01). The retired had the highest prevalence with 1.69% (18/1 065) of occurrence, and the unemployed had the second rate and the rate was 1.54% (20/1 295), while the military personnel had the lowest rate (0, 0/43). The rates for smokers and non-smokers were 1.01% (77/7 626) and 0.30% (8/2 714), respectively, the prevalence of smokers was higher than that of non-smokers, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 12.36, P < 0.01). The prevalence rates of thyroid disease among those intaking aquatic products or kelp never, occasionally, generally and frequently were 1.97% (9/458), 0.60% (6/1 000), 0.75% (39/5 188) and 0.84% (31/3 694), respectively, which were different significantly (χ2 = 8.63, P < 0.05); the prevalence rates of thyroid disease among those intaking seaweed or kelp never, occasionally, generally and frequently were 3.20% (20/625), 0.81% (29/3 575), 0.62% (33/5 370) and 0.39% (3/770), respectively, which were different significantly (χ2 = 47.70, P < 0.01). It was 0.49 per one hundred thousand that the average mortality rate of thyroid disease among the household registration population of Xiamen City from January 1st, 2012 to December 31, 2013, among which the average mortality rates of thyroid malignant tumor, benign tumor of thyroid, and thyrotoxicosis were 0.36/100 000, 0.03/100 000 and 0.10/100 000, respectively. Conclusion In order to reduce the prevalence and mortality rates of thyroid disease, the following strategies should be taken up such as strengthening health education against thyroid disease, and advocating healthy lifestyle, and encouraging consuming seaweed, kelp and other foods rich in iodine regularly, and promoting regular medical examination to reduce the impact of thyroid diseases in Xiamen. Key words: Thyroid diseases; Epidemiologic studies; Prevalence; Mortality