A Cross-Sectional Survey to Assess Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices in Patients with Hypothyroidism in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Without corrective action, patients suffering from hypothyroidism may exhibit increased risk ofcardiovascular diseases, dysrhythmias and fractures, and are also at risk of adverse effects on bone mass, lipidmetabolism, blood pressure, and a declined cognitive function. Methods: We adopted a cross-sectional survey toassess the knowledge, attitude, and practices in patients with hypothyroidism in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Participants for the study were recruited from 04/08/2019 till 24/09/2019 through convenience sampling method.For an individual to participate in the study, they were required to be 18 years of age and diagnosed withhypothyroidism, a Saudi citizen and a resident of Riyadh. The participants were assessed on a number ofindicators; demographics, questions on knowledge domain, questions on attitude domain, and questions onpractice domain. In our construct, the knowledge section consisted of 20 factual statements to assess variousindicators of hypothyroidism, including the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Results: 55% of therespondents were female and 45% were male. The study indicates that hypothyroidism occurs at a higherprevalence in females in the 45+ age category, which is consistent with previous literature. Equally, 24% of therespondents strongly disagree that women are at a greater risk of developing hypothyroidism and should be testedat regular intervals for hypothyroidism; while, 19% of the respondents agree that women are at a greater risk ofdeveloping hypothyroidism and should be tested at regular intervals for hypothyroidism. The findings indicate aworrying lack of knowledge about hypothyroidism among residents of Riyadh. Conclusion: There is a need forgreater public education and awareness in Saudi Arabia to improve the level of knowledge about hypothyroidism.