WHAT MATTERS MOST TO THE PATIENT BEFORE AND AFTER INITIATION OF TREATMENT FOR THYROID DYSFUNCTION?

Authors

  • Mohd Azril M Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
  • Yap My Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
  • Ooi CP Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
  • Abdul Hanif Khan A Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
  • Rosliza A Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
  • Norlaila M National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia
  • Norlela S National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia
  • Nor Azmi K National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.036.S51

Keywords:

thyroid, patient

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Thyroid dysfunction (TD) has a prevalence of 3.4% in Malaysia. Although there are significant disparities in the quality of life before and after treatment in many diseases, no study has been done to assess the impact of TD on patients before and after treatment. Thus, the objective of this analysis is to evaluate what matters most to patients before and after treatment of TD.

METHODOLOGY
This qualitative study utilised a Malay language version of the semi-structured interview guide in Malaysia. This is part of the larger research developed from interactive discussions with patients who have thyroid dysfunction. Data were collected using a dual--method approach, i.e., face-to-face in-depth interviews in the endocrine clinic and online survey using the same set of questionnaires. The responses were analyzed using Braun and Clark's thematic analysis framework guided by the question: What matters most to the patient before and after initiation of treatment for TD?

RESULTS
Before treatment, most patients diagnosed with TD were anxious, scared, sad, angry, and in disbelief. Other concerns include impairments in the activity of daily living, e.g. unable to cope with their jobs, a perceived burden to the family, and uncertainties. Only some were able to accept the diagnosis. Most patients feel relieved knowing there are available treatments and their conditions improved after treatment, while a minority of patients remained anxious with low mood, and in denial. Our findings suggested that patients with TD go through the five stages of emotional changes based on the Kubler-Ross model during the disease management process.

CONCLUSION
Our findings suggested that TD is a life event for most patients. The grief reaction towards their illness resolved with treatment and improved knowledge regarding their condition. Therefore, research that focuses on developing insight into patient issues is needed to develop appropriate management and support programs.

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Author Biographies

Mohd Azril M, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Department of Medicine

Yap My, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Department of Medicine

Ooi CP, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Department of Medicine

Abdul Hanif Khan A, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Department of Neurology

Rosliza A, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Department of Community Medicine

Norlaila M, National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia

Endocrine unit, Department of Medicine

Norlela S, National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia

Endocrine unit, Department of Medicine

Nor Azmi K, National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia

Endocrine unit, Department of Medicine

References

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Published

2021-07-28

How to Cite

M, M. A., My, Y. ., CP, O., A, A. H. . K., A, R., M, N., S, N., & K, N. . A. (2021). WHAT MATTERS MOST TO THE PATIENT BEFORE AND AFTER INITIATION OF TREATMENT FOR THYROID DYSFUNCTION?. Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies, 36, 39. https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.036.S51

Issue

Section

Abstracts for Poster Presentation | Adult

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