Awareness of Thyroid Diseases and Their Risk Factors Among the Residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating many aspects of body functions. Despite their global prevalence, thyroid disorders often go underdiagnosed, which can lead to serious health complications. In Saudi Arabia, the overall prevalence was 49.76%, among which subclinical hypothyroidism was the most prevalent type. Raising awareness and knowledge about thyroid diseases and their risk factors is essential for the prevention and early treatment of these disorders. Aim and objectives To assess the awareness of thyroid diseases and their risk factors among the residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as well as understand their attitudes and underlying influencing factors toward thyroid health. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2023 to December 2023. The study included a diverse sample of Saudi and non-Saudi participants aged 18 to 65 years. A self-administered online questionnaire translated into Arabic was used to collect information. Results The study involved 393 participants, 72.5% female and 27.5% male. Most participants held a bachelor's degree or higher (78.1%). Hypothyroidism was the most prevalent diagnosed thyroid disease (14.0%). Only 20% of participants had good knowledge. Respondents were relatively less aware of the risks associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period (35%), medications such as amiodarone (26%), eating soya beans (22%), and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms of thyroid diseases (36%). Attitudes toward thyroid health were generally negative (85.5%). However, a significant association was noted between a history of thyroid disease and a positive attitude (p = 0.002). Educational level and employment status were strong determinants of knowledge levels (p = 0.036 and 0.005, respectively). A positive correlation was found between knowledge levels and attitudes (r = 0.321, p < 0.001). Conclusion The study showed a low level of awareness among participants living in Jeddah, especially the unemployed and those with low levels of education. Their unawareness of the possible risks of thyroid diseases during pregnancy should be thoroughly addressed by public campaigns.