Abstract
Thyroid nodules (TNs) have annual increasing trends worldwide, and large-scale investigations on the prevalence of TNs in Beijing communities have not been conducted since the introduction of salt iodization in 1995. We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of TNs, their epidemiological characteristics, and their correlation with lifestyle factors. A total of 6324 permanent residents aged 18 years or older (mean age, 52.15 ± 11.58 years) from seven representative communities in Beijing were included in the analyses. Once informed consent was obtained, the subjects were asked to complete questionnaires, a physical examination, and thyroid ultrasound. A total of 3100 cases had TNs. The overall prevalence rate was 49.0%, and the age-standardized prevalence was 40.1%, which increased significantly as age increased (p < 0.001). The prevalence was significantly higher in females compared to males (p < 0.001), and it was significantly higher among female current smokers and former smokers compared to non-smokers (p = 0.007). There was no correlation between alcohol consumption and TNs, and there were no significant differences in the prevalence among different groups of taste preference. The prevalence decreased with an increased frequency of seafood intake (p = 0.015) and with higher literacy levels (p < 0.001). The Cochran–Armitage trend test showed that the prevalence significantly increased with decreased physical labor and exercise intensity (p < 0.001, p = 0.009). Logistic regression analysis showed that age (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.039 (1.034–1.044), p < 0.001), the female sex (OR = 1.789 (1.527–2.097)), Body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.019 (1.005–1.034)), and current smoking habits (OR = 1.246 (1.046–1.483)) were independent risk factors for TNs. Our findings indicate that there is a high prevalence of TNs in Beijing, with a higher prevalence in females than in males. Moreover, the prevalence increases as age increases. Smoking and BMI are independent risk factors for TNs. Therefore, intervention against smoking and weight loss might help reduce the risk of TN occurrence.
Highlights
MethodsThe subjects of the study were recruited from August to December of 2013
Thyroid nodules (TNs) are among the common diseases of the endocrine system, with 3%–7%prevalence by palpation [1]
Body mass index (BMI), percentage of smokers, and percentage of alcohol drinkers among female subjects were significantly lower compared to male subjects (p < 0.001)
Summary
The subjects of the study were recruited from August to December of 2013. A cluster random sampling method was used in this survey. Seven representative communities were randomly selected from the suburban area of Beijing. The exclusion criteria were: an age below 18 years, a lack of mobility, communication disorders, pregnancy, severe cardiac, hepatic or kidney disease, or no experience with thyroid ultrasound. People who were or had been treated with medicines influencing thyroid function, such as amiodarone, iodine, lithium preparation, interferon, or hormones such as glucocorticoid and estrogen were excluded. A total of 8233 individuals were initially included; 85%
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