Background of Hyperthyroidism

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 46 views

The Prevalence of Hyperthyroidism Based on the Wayne Index in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Understanding Hyperthyroidism: A Growing Concern Among Students

Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an excessive production of thyroid hormones, which can significantly impact the body's metabolism. This condition can lead to various symptoms, including weight loss, heat intolerance, and menstrual disorders. As a result, it is essential to determine the prevalence of hyperthyroidism among students, particularly those studying at the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Background of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a form of thyrotoxicosis, characterized by high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4) in the blood circulation. This increase in thyroid hormone levels causes changes in the level of basal metabolism (BMR), leading to an increase in vital and metabolic function. Clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include goiter, tachycardia, tremor, weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, irritability, and menstrual disorders. Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, toxic adenomas, and multicnodular goiter.

Research Methodology

This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample consisted of 90 individuals selected using the Consecutive Sampling technique between September and October 2023. The measurement instruments used included an examination sheet involving interviews and physical examinations. The data collected was then processed using ISM SPSS version 27.

Research Results

The results showed that the prevalence of hyperthyroidism among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra based on the Wayne index was as follows:

2.2% experienced toxic hyperthyroidism
16.7% had equivocal results
81.1% were classified as euthyroid

Interestingly, there was a higher ratio between women and men, with a ratio of 3:1. Of the 17 respondents who were identified as hyperthyroidism, there were 6 people with body weight below normal, 6 people with normal body weight, and 5 people who were classified as obesity. In addition, there were 6 respondents who had a family history of similar conditions.

Chi-Square Test Results

The Chi-square test results for risk factors and hyperthyroidism showed a significant P value for sex factors (0.0015), less body weight (0.0015), normal body weight (0.849), overweight (0.065), obesity (0.557), and Family History (0.001). This shows a strong relationship between gender, BMI lacking weight, and family history of the occurrence of hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hyperthyroidism among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra is 2.2%. There is a significant relationship between gender, malnutrition status, and family history of the occurrence of hyperthyroidism. These findings can be taken into consideration for screening programs and health interventions that are more focused on preventing and handling hyperthyroidism, especially among students who are at risk.

Implications for Health Interventions

By understanding the prevalence and risk factors for hyperthyroidism, students are expected to be more proactive in maintaining health and conducting regular health checks. Further research can be carried out to explore this relationship deeper, as well as finding effective strategies in the prevention and management of hyperthyroidism among students.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on exploring the relationship between hyperthyroidism and other risk factors, such as diet and lifestyle. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of screening programs and health interventions in preventing and managing hyperthyroidism among students.

Limitations of the Study

This study had several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and use a longitudinal design to better understand the relationship between hyperthyroidism and other risk factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the prevalence and risk factors for hyperthyroidism among students. The findings of this study can be used to inform health interventions and screening programs that are more focused on preventing and handling hyperthyroidism, especially among students who are at risk. Further research is needed to explore this relationship deeper and to find effective strategies in the prevention and management of hyperthyroidism among students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hyperthyroidism Among Students

Q: What is hyperthyroidism?

A: Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an excessive production of thyroid hormones, which can significantly impact the body's metabolism. This condition can lead to various symptoms, including weight loss, heat intolerance, and menstrual disorders.

Q: What are the common causes of hyperthyroidism?

A: Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, toxic adenomas, and multicnodular goiter.

Q: What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

A: Clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include goiter, tachycardia, tremor, weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, irritability, and menstrual disorders.

Q: How common is hyperthyroidism among students?

A: The prevalence of hyperthyroidism among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra is 2.2%.

Q: What are the risk factors for hyperthyroidism?

A: The risk factors for hyperthyroidism include gender, malnutrition status, and family history of the occurrence of hyperthyroidism.

Q: How can hyperthyroidism be prevented?

A: Hyperthyroidism can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Additionally, regular health checks can help identify any underlying conditions that may contribute to hyperthyroidism.

Q: What are the treatment options for hyperthyroidism?

A: Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's overall health.

Q: Can hyperthyroidism be cured?

A: In some cases, hyperthyroidism can be cured with treatment. However, in other cases, it may be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.

Q: How can students with hyperthyroidism manage their condition?

A: Students with hyperthyroidism can manage their condition by following a treatment plan, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and attending regular health checks.

Q: What are the implications for health interventions?

A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding the prevalence and risk factors for hyperthyroidism among students. The results can be used to inform health interventions and screening programs that are more focused on preventing and handling hyperthyroidism, especially among students who are at risk.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should focus on exploring the relationship between hyperthyroidism and other risk factors, such as diet and lifestyle. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of screening programs and health interventions in preventing and managing hyperthyroidism among students.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: This study had several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and use a longitudinal design to better understand the relationship between hyperthyroidism and other risk factors.

Q: What are the conclusions of the study?

A: The study highlights the importance of understanding the prevalence and risk factors for hyperthyroidism among students. The findings can be used to inform health interventions and screening programs that are more focused on preventing and handling hyperthyroidism, especially among students who are at risk.