A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AT PONDICHERRY

Dr. Rahul Singh and Dr. S. Vithiavathi*

ABSTRACT

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) among hypothyroid subjects. Methods: This was a questionnaire based KAP cross sectional study among 100 subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria in a tertiary hospital after obtaining consent and ethical clearance. Results: Among the 100 subjects the mean age was 41.42±14.6 with a female predominance of 87%. The educational status was collected and it was noticed that majority of the subjects, 62% were literates and rest were illiterates. 60% had correct knowledge about the shape of the thyroid gland. Knowledge about the effects of hypothyroidism like weight gain was most correctly identified by 79% subjects 70%, 69%, and 60% of subjects could correctly identify fatigue, muscle aches/pain, and dry skin, respectively. Only 48% and 43% correctly identified cold intolerance and constipation respectively.48% of subjects had no knowledge that iodine deficiency may cause hypothyroidism. 85% subjects had knowledge that hypothyroidism is treatable. 64%–92% had agreement on all the statements in the attitude domain. 91% complied with their medications. Nevertheless, 30.6% responded that they occasionally skip medications. Regular TSH levels were done by 81.6% of subjects. A good number of subjects (55.8%) did neither look for information from online sources neither did they (22.7%) seek additional information from their doctors/medical personals. Conclusion: Satisfactory results were obtained whereas the need to increase awareness and to educate the patients in all the aspects about hypothyroidism is very much necessary.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Hypothyroidism and Awareness.