ASSESSMENT OF K A P AMONG THE PUBLIC TOWARDS THYROID DISORDER – A COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Thyroid disorders are among the most prevalent endocrine conditions globally, affecting approximately 200 million people, with India accounting for a significant burden about 42 million individuals. Despite this, thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer often remain under diagnosed due to limited awareness, poor health-seeking behaviour, and widespread misconceptions. This community-based interventional study was conducted in Mangalore, Karnataka, to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding thyroid disorders among adults aged 18–65 years. A total of 206 participants were selected using random sampling, and data were collected through a structured, pre-tested KAP questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews in English and Kannada. Immediately after the baseline assessment, participants were provided with a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) covering thyroid anatomy, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tests, and treatment options. The study found that while 99% of participants had heard about the thyroid gland, only 27.2% demonstrated good knowledge, 35.4% practiced evidence-based health behaviours, and 41.3% showed a positive attitude toward thyroid health. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between gender and both knowledge and attitude, while education level showed no significant influence. The results highlight critical gaps in thyroid health literacy despite high awareness, and they emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions. PILs and physician-led counseling is recommended to dispel myths and improve early detection and long-term disease management. This study underscores the importance of community level strategies to enhance thyroid health outcomes, especially among women and older adults.