Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices Among Patients with Thyroid Swelling Attending Cytology Clinic in a Medical College, Meerut.

ABSTRACT

Background: Thyroid disorders are believed to be a common health issue in India, as it is worldwide. However, there is a paucity of data on the knowledge, awareness, and practices (KAP) among these patients. Materials and methods: A crosssectional study was conducted in a medical college of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Total 200 patients were evaluated during the period from 2011 to 2012. Results: Total 200 patients with thyroid swelling were evaluated. Sixty percent patients did not know that thyroid is a normal gland in body while 50% did not knew about hyper/hypothyroidism. There are many misconceptions regarding thyroid disorders, such as 79.5% patients thought that hypothyroidism causes excessive weight gain. Conclusion: This study shows that patients with thyroid disorders lack knowledge. Education should take place at all levels and should include doctors and decision makers, health workers, and citizen groups. The results of this study will help the physician to concentrate on these specific issues during their interaction with the patients.