Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding Thyroid Disorders among Patients attending Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrinology Care Centre, Pokhara

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are amongst the most prevalent medical conditions & the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Thyroid disorders are believed to be a common health issue in Nepal. Patient's knowledge and awareness about the disease and its treatment is very important for good long-term outcome and compliance in any chronic disease. The general objective of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practices among thyroid disorders patients attending Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrinology Care Centre, Pokhara.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to conduct the study using non probability purposive sampling technique.Data was collected by using Structured Interview Schedule and collected data was coded and entered in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. Descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi square) was used for data analysis.

Results: The study revealed that majority (62.8%) of the respondents had adequate knowledge. Age, educational status and duration of illness was statistically associated with level of knowledge (p=0.04, 0.01, 0.01). Majority (55.5%) of the respondents had negative attitude regarding thyroid disorders. Correlation analysis showed that knowledge of respondents on thyroid disorders was positively correlated with their attitude (r=0.173, p value 0.001).

Conclusion: It was observed that more than half of the respondents had adequate knowledge but had negative attitude regarding thyroid disorders. So, further health awareness programs, educational campaigns should be run to increase the knowledge and create awareness that plays a vital role in care of the patients and treatment adherence.