Factors affecting thyroid nodule among coal miners: a prospective nested case-control study in Xinjiang, China

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Thyroid health is a significant public health concern.
• Research on thyroid health in coal miners is limited.
• Identifying thyroid nodule risk factors in this population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk factors associated with thyroid nodules in male coal miners.
• To analyze the impact of occupational coal dust exposure on thyroid health.
• To identify specific health indicators and demographic factors linked to thyroid nodule development.

Main Methods:

• A nested case-control study design was utilized.
• 697 male coal miners with normal baseline thyroid ultrasounds were enrolled.
• Data on demographics, health indicators, and coal dust exposure were collected, with follow-up ultrasounds to identify new thyroid nodules.

Main Results:

• The incidence of thyroid nodules was 18.65%.
• High-dose coal dust exposure significantly increased thyroid nodule risk (HR=2.41).
• Abnormal urine analysis (HR=1.77), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR=1.60), fasting blood glucose (HR=1.62), and age >45 years were also identified as independent risk factors.

Conclusions:

• High-dose coal dust exposure is a significant risk factor for thyroid nodules in miners.
• Abnormal urine, lipid profiles, glycemic control, and older age contribute to increased risk.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted health surveillance in coal mining populations.