DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS AND LIFESTYLE CORRELATES AMONG PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

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Background: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by reduced thyroid hormone production, leading to metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Its clinical manifestations often overlap with lifestyle-related factors, making early recognition and comprehensive management essential. Understanding these relationships provides insight into preventive and therapeutic strategies suited to local populations. Objective: To describe the common clinical features and identify lifestyle-related correlates among patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism in tertiary care hospitals of South Punjab. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted over eight months among 250 adults with confirmed hypothyroidism. Data were collected through structured interviews covering demographic details, clinical symptoms, and lifestyle variables such as physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress. Standardized tools, including the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and self-reported sleep diaries, were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with continuous variables expressed as mean ± SD and categorical data as frequencies and percentages. Pearson correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA were applied to explore relationships between clinical and lifestyle factors, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 41.8 ± 10.7 years, with females comprising 72.8% of the sample. Fatigue (84.8%), weight gain (79.2%), and cold intolerance (66.8%) were the most frequent symptoms. Low physical activity (41.6%), inadequate sleep (35.2%), and high stress levels (44.8%) were prevalent. BMI showed a positive correlation with TSH (r = 0.41, p < 0.001), while sleep duration correlated inversely with fatigue (r = –0.36, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings emphasize that hypothyroidism’s clinical burden is significantly influenced by lifestyle behaviors. Incorporating physical activity, balanced diet, and stress management into clinical care may enhance treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.

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