Evaluation of individual characteristics, common clinical signs and diet history in patients with hypo- or hyperthyroidism in Hamedan

 Background and Objective: Thyroid disorders, particularly
hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, are among the common clinical disorders
occurring in most communities. The main aim of this study was to determine the  individual characteristics, common clinical
signs and diet history in patients with hypo- or hyperthyroidism in different
areas in Hamedan    Materials and Methods: This study was a cross sectional
retrospective study, which was conducted to investigate individual
characteristics, common clinical signs and diet history in patients with hypo-
or hyperthyroidism during 2003-2007 in Hamedan province. Statistical population
in our study comprised patients with hypo- or hyperthyroidism referring to
hospitals or care centers in different areas in Hamedan province during
2003-2007, and was documentary profiled. Individual questionnaire, clinical
signs questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire and face to face interview
were used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using t- or Chi-square
tests to determine the association between variables and hypo- or
hyperthyroidism in patients and to compare study subgroups.    Results: The
results showed that out of 1080 patients whom we studied, 63% were
hypothyroid and 37% were hyperthyroid. The distribution of ABO blood group phenotype in hypo- or hyperthyroid
patients was comparable to its normal distribution in the area. The frequency
of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism was higher in females than males (p < 0.001).
History of familial marriage was observed in 38.5% or 18.39% of parents of
hyperthyroid or hypothyroid patients, respectively. History of psychological
problems was common in 41.25% of hyperthyroid and in 60.3% of hypothyroid
patients and a history of negative life events was observed in 45.5% of
hyperthyroid and in 64.4% of hypothyroid patients. There was lower consumption
of meat and cereal food groups in patients than standard recommended orders (p < 0.01).
   Conclusion: Occurrence of hyperthyroidism
or hypothyroidism was more common in females than males. Genetic background,
familial history, and psychological problems were among the important causes
associated with hypo- or hyperthyroidism in patients in Hamedan.