Open AccessPrevalence and characterization of asymptomatic thyroid nodules in Assin North District, Ghana
Author(s) -
Martin Tangnaa Morna,
Derek Anamaale Tuoyire,
Bashiru Babatunde Jimah,
Sebastian Eliason,
Anthony Baffour Appiah,
Ganiyu A. Rahman
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0263365
Subject(s) - medicine , thyroid nodules , iodised salt , thyroid , asymptomatic , population , body mass index , cross sectional study , odds ratio , demography , iodine deficiency , environmental health , pathology , sociology
Background Ultrasound is now the initial imaging modality of choice for detection and characterization of lesions of the thyroid gland. Ultrasound imaging studies of the thyroid gland report varied prevalence of asymptomatic thyroid nodules (ATN), ranging from 20 to 67%. This study estimated the prevalence, characterized and determined factors associated with ATN in selected communities in the Assin North Municipality, Central Region, Ghana. Methods The study was a cross-sectional design, involving 320 participants from six (6) communities in the Assin North District of the Central Region of Ghana. Socio-demographic data and data from ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results The prevalence of ATN was 11.3% among 320 participants with the mean age of 56.53(±16.5) years. ATNs were common in the left lobe (69%) and predominantly solitary (64%). ATNs increased with age and body mass index (BMI). Those aged 60 years and above had significantly higher odds (OR = 24.40, 95% CI = 2.59–229.86) of having ATNs, likewise overweigh (OR = 5.32, 95% CI = 1.12–25.20) and obese (OR = 12.51, 95% CI = 1.47–106.58) individuals. Conclusion The prevalence of ATN in our study population was relatively low, and more predictable among those 60 years or older, those in unhealthy BMI categories. There is the need for the reinforcement and intensification of educational campaigns on the consumption of iodized dietary salt as well as the consumption of foods rich in iodine content, particularly among older individuals.