Awareness about hypothyroidism among population in the northern border region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Aim: This study aimed to assess the public awareness about hypothyroidism the Northern Borders Province, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: The study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study enrolling residents aged 18 years and above in the Northern Borders Province, Saudi Arabia, excluding healthcare workers, medical students, and hypothyroid patients. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. It comprised demographic questions and 20 items assessing hypothyroidism awareness on a three-point Likert scale. Results: After applying the exclusion criteria to 436, we included 392 participants. The sample was predominantly males (53%), unmarried (60%), urban residents (97%), and holding a university degree (71%). The median age of 25 years. The mean knowledge score was 7.38 +/- 4.47, with 54.9% demonstrating good knowledge. Female gender, younger age and students were associated with an increase in knowledge of hypothyroidism (p < 0.0001, <0.0001, and 0.029, respectively) Discussion: The study reveals moderate awareness about hypothyroidism in the Northern Border of Saudi Arabia. Targeted educational interventions to improve understanding of hypothyroidism should be implemented.