Prevalence of thyroid disorders in a tertiary care hospital in Al Batinah North Governorate, Oman

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and demographic distribution of thyroid dysfunction in the Al Batinah North Governorate, Oman, and to examine associations between thyroid hormone levels and lipid profiles.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at Sohar Hospital, a major referral centre in Al Batinah North. Electronic medical records of 40,390 patients who underwent thyroid function testing between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed. The prevalence of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, demographic distribution (age, gender), and associations between thyroid hormone levels and lipid profiles were analyzed. Only the first thyroid panel per patient was included to avoid duplication.

Results

Of the 40,390 patients, 78.7 % were euthyroid, 13.9 % had subclinical hypothyroidism, 3.4 % had subclinical hyperthyroidism, 2.1 % had overt hyperthyroidism, and 2.0 % had overt hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction was more prevalent among females (67.5 %) than males (32.5 %). Hypothyroidism was most frequent in individuals aged 0–17 years, while hyperthyroidism was more common in adults aged 36–50 years. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between free thyroxine (FT4) and serum lipid levels (cholesterol: r = −0.12, p < 0.001; triglycerides: r = −0.10, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, was common in this hospital-based Omani cohort and disproportionately affected females. Associations with lipid abnormalities were statistically significant but weak. Findings should be interpreted with caution due to the retrospective design, hospital-based sampling, and incomplete adjustment for confounders. Population-based studies are required to establish true prevalence and long-term metabolic outcomes.