Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Regarding Thyroid Disorders During Pregnancy: A Nationwide Online Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v15i.4154Keywords:
Thyroid Disorders, Pregnancy, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Knowledge, Attitudes, Saudi ArabiaAbstract
Background: Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is an important endocrine concern because untreated disease may adversely affect maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and fetal neurodevelopment. Public awareness is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia, where historical iodine deficiency, regional variation in dietary iodine intake, and differences in health literacy may influence preventive behaviors. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding thyroid disorders during pregnancy among Saudi adults of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: A nationwide online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,053 Saudi adults aged 18-45 years from the five major geographical regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of thyroid disorders in pregnancy, attitudes toward screening and treatment, preventive practices, and sources of health information. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were summarized using descriptive statistics. Group differences were examined using independent-samples t-tests or one-way analysis of variance, as appropriate. Results: The mean knowledge score was moderate at 5.9 ± 2.4 out of 10. Although most participants recognized that thyroid disorders can be diagnosed using blood tests (84.2%) and may affect fetal brain development (76.1%), only 52.1% knew that thyroid disorders during pregnancy may be asymptomatic. Attitudes were generally favorable, with a mean score of 26.9 ± 4.5 out of 35; 82.9% agreed or strongly agreed that thyroid screening is important in prenatal care, and 96.0% recognized the importance of management for fetal health. Preventive practices were less optimal, with a mean score of 5.4 ± 2.3 out of 10. Only 44.1% had previously undergone thyroid function testing, and 30.1% regularly consumed iodine-rich foods. Conclusion: Saudi adults of reproductive age demonstrated favorable attitudes but only moderate knowledge and suboptimal preventive practices regarding thyroid disorders during pregnancy. These findings support targeted public health education, improved preconception counseling
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