PROPORTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THYROID DYSFUNCTION AMONG INDIVIDUALS REFERRED TO A TERTIARY CARE FACILITY IN KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to determine the proportion and identify factors associated with thyroid dysfunction among individuals coming to a tertiary care facility in Kabul, Afghanistan.

METHODOLOGY
 A cross-sectional study design was conducted from July to September 2018. Serum TSH levels were measured, and the patients were divided into three diagnostic categories according to their serum TSH concentrations: 1) Hypothyroidism 2) Hyperthyroidism 3) Normal thyroid function.

RESULTS
A total of 127 individuals were included. Majority of the study participants (77%) were females. Most of the participants (92%) did not have family history of thyroid dysfunction and majority of the female participants, (85%) were not pregnant in the last two years. Furthermore, 98% of participants were non-smokers.

CONCLUSION
The findings of the current study showed a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in individuals coming to FMIC for thyroid functions tests. The findings also indicated that age and smoking are the factors associated with thyroid dysfunction.