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

## TL;DR

A hospital-based study in Oman found subclinical hypothyroidism to be the most common thyroid disorder, with higher prevalence in females and specific age groups.

## Contribution

This study provides prevalence data on thyroid dysfunction in a specific Omani population and identifies demographic and lipid correlations.

## Key findings

- Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid dysfunction in the cohort.
- Thyroid dysfunction was more prevalent in females compared to males.
- An inverse correlation was found between free thyroxine levels and lipid profiles.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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).

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.

•Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid dysfunction.•Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent among females than males.•Adolescents showed higher hypothyroidism; adults 36–50 years showed more hyperthyroidism.•Weak but significant inverse correlations were found between FT4 and lipids.•Hospital-based design limits generalizability; population studies are needed.

Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid dysfunction.

Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent among females than males.

Adolescents showed higher hypothyroidism; adults 36–50 years showed more hyperthyroidism.

Weak but significant inverse correlations were found between FT4 and lipids.

Hospital-based design limits generalizability; population studies are needed.