Cognitive Impairment and Associated Factors Among Adult Hyperthyroid Patients at Bale Zone Hospitals, Southeast...

Cognitive impairment is an inclusive term used to describe the impairment of different domains of cognition. It is a growing public health concern and it can be influenced by hyperthyroidism. While the association between hyperthyroidism and cognitive impairment had been documented in other settings, evidence from Ethiopia remains limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and the associated factors among hyperthyroid patients attending Bale zone hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia.

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2024 among 406 hyperthyroid patients selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) tool. Data were entered into EpiData Manager version 4.6.0.0 and exported to STATA version 17 for statistical analysis. The analysis began with descriptive statistics, followed by binary logistic regression. Variables with a p value < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable binary logistic regression. The strength of association was determined by the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence level.

The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 29.06% (95% CI: 24.84-33.68). The odds of cognitive impairment were higher in females, rural residents, and those with primary education. Older age (AOR = 1.09), higher free triiodothyronine levels (FT3) (AOR = 1.03), poor sleep quality (AOR = 2.24), and lower wealth (middle: AOR = 0.18; rich: AOR = 0.19) were linked to higher odds of cognitive impairment. Avoiding alcohol consumption (AOR = 0.16) helped lower the odds of cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment is a significant health problem among hyperthyroid patients in southeast Ethiopia. Old age, higher FT3 levels, poor sleep quality, and low socioeconomic status are the key associated factors.