PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN AN URBAN RESETTLEMENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Abstract
Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine disorder, particularly among women of reproductive age, impacting fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and overall health. There is a paucity of community-based data on its prevalence in vulnerable populations, such as urban resettlement colonies in India. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and identify its associated sociodemographic and dietary factors among women of reproductive age in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi.
Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2021 in Gokul puri, Delhi. We selected women of reproductive age group using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographics, clinical history, and dietary practices. Venous blood samples were analysed for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 (fT3), and free T4 (fT4) using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (eCLISA). Data were analysed using SPSS v25, with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests used for associations.
Results: We collected data from 180 females. The mean age of participants was 36.3 ± 9.1 years. The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 28.3% (n=51). Hypothyroidism was present in 25.6% (n=46) of participants, with the majority being previously undiagnosed. 16.7% (n=30) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 5.6% (n=10) had overt hypothyroidism. Known cases of hypothyroidism comprised 3.3% (n=6). Hyperthyroidism was found in 2.7% (n=5) of participants (2.2% subclinical, 0.5% overt). Significant associations with thyroid dysfunction were found for marital status (p=0.02), frequent consumption of cabbage/cauliflower (p=0.00), a family history of thyroid disorder (p=0.00), being overweight or obese (BMI > 23 kg/m², p=0.03), and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (p=0.00).
Conclusion: This study reveals a high, predominantly hidden burden of thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, in this urban community. The strong association with goitrogenic dietary preferences, family history, obesity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes highlights an urgent need for targeted community-based screening, health education, and public health interventions for women of reproductive age.
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Sonia Gautam
Senior resident, Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi,
Pragya Sharma
Executive Director, National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), New Delhi
Shivani Rao
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi
Nandini Sharma
Professor and HOD, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana