Risk Factors of Goiter in Libyan Women

Abstract

Goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, is among the most common endocrine disorders seen in clinical settings globally. Although iodine deficiency is considered the main cause, the development of goiter is affected by a complex interaction of genetic factors and environmental influences. Goiter prevalence differs markedly among populations, with some areas showing greater incidence due to dietary and environmental influences. A case-control study was done to determine the relationship between thyroid goiter in female Libyan patients and demographic, environmental, and lifestyle-associated factors. In addition, we investigated whether these factors increased the risk of goiter in the study population. We developed our questionnaire and interviewed 45 randomly selected Libyan female patients and 45 normal females. The questionnaire included demographic variables, thyroid ultrasound reports, dietary habits, and type of salt usage. The data were then analyzed using univariate and Multivariate analyses. Among all the factors investigated, logistic regression analysis indicates that two factors independently predict goiter in this research: a positive family history and an increased number of pregnancies (p-values 0.04 & 0.03), respectively. The surgical history (p < 0.001) and history of hypertension (p = 0.01) demonstrate a correlation with goiter cases, yet they are not independent risk factors. Neither dietary habits nor lifestyles are linked to the risk of goiter.