Living in Rural Areas of Peninsular Malaysia: Risk Factor for Goitre
- Author:
Shahar MA
- Collective Name: Omar AM , AB Wahab N , Sukor N , Kamaruddin NA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Goitre, anti-TG, anti-TPO
- From:
The International Medical Journal Malaysia
2019;18(3):75-86
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Thyroid disorders are among common medical conditions encountered in clinical practice.
However, the disease burden among Malaysian population has not been established. This study was aimed to
determine the prevalence of goitre and its associated factors among adult population in Peninsular Malaysia.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 5 pre-assigned regions in Peninsular
Malaysia. Participants’ sociodemographic profile and medical history were recorded. Physical examinations
were done looking for abnormalities of the thyroid gland and signs of thyroid dysfunctions. The diagnosis of
goitre was made by palpation and corroborated by the repeat examination by another investigator. The
World Health Organization (WHO) goitre grading system was used. Fifteen millilitre of blood were withdrawn
and analysed at a central laboratory. Results: Among 2190 respondents, the prevalence of goitre was 9.3%.
Goitre was associated with positive anti-thyroperoxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Females were at
higher risk of goitre (adjusted OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.6–3.5; p<0.001). The other risk factors of goitre were Indian
ethnicity (adjusted OR=2.0; 95%CI 1.2–3.3; p=0.006), positive anti-thyroperoxidase (adjusted OR=1.8; 95%
CI 1.1-3.1; p=0.024) and living in rural area (adjusted OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.5; p=0.002). These areas had
been shown to suffer from some degree of iodine insufficiency in the past. Conclusions: The prevalence of
goitre in Peninsular Malaysia was comparable with other studies. The main predictors of thyroid disorders are
female gender and thyroid antibodies. Living in rural areas was associated with goitre.
- Full text:180310.pdf
