Original Research

Prevalence of hypothyroidism among Libyan pregnant women in Benghazi

Nazik M. Ali Hamad, Ahlam G. Ibrahim, Amira A. Ahmida, Marwa M. Salem, Salma M. Iesa

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from deficiency of thyroid hormone or its effects on peripheral tissues. Previous hospital based study have revealed high prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women. Also, studies with small sample size indicated a rising trend of prevalence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Moreover, pregnancy is seen as a risk factor in the occurrence of thyroid dysfunctions. Thus, the aim of was to assess and analyze prevalence of hypothyroidism among Libyan pregnant women in Benghazi city in to study its relation and risk in pregnancy. The study was conducted on a sample size of 177 Libyan pregnant women in Benghazi city in Libya during 2018. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in clinics located in Benghazi city. Responses to the question was coded and analyzed. The prevalence of hypothyroidism among the pregnant women was found to be 10.2% (n = 18) and no significant relation between age and hypothyroidism among women. Only nine percent of the pregnant women had medical conditions (as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure). 28% of the hypothyroidism pregnant women are of the first gestation and 72% are of the second or more. 83% of the hypothyroidism pregnant women had no thyroidectomy. Thus, this study concludes that there is a high prevalence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy period in Benghazi and a national screening is necessary for hypothyroidism in Libya.

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2021-09-30
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