HEALTH INFORMATION-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG HYPOTHYROID PATIENTS AT SAVEETHA MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism causes considerable morbidity. Low knowledge coupled withinadequate health literacy may lead to poor prevention and management. This study aimed to assesshealth information-seeking behavior and hypothyroid knowledge among South Indian hypothyroidpatients.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2013 in Saveetha Medical College,Chennai, India. Hundred clinically diagnosed hypothyroid patients >18 years were interviewed in ahospital using a 57-item questionnaire to gather information on their socio-demographics, self-reporteddisease history, hypothyroid-related knowledge, health information sources, health literacy and healthinformation-seeking behavior. Hypothyroidism was assessed by free T3 and T4 levels.RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 38 years (SD=12) with median age of 39.5 years, majority ofthe participants being females (77%) and living in urban setting (52%). Mean free T3 level was0.0137ng/dl (SD= 0.003) and mean free T4 was 0.7ng/dl (SD= 0.06). Ninety three percent of theparticipants received initial hypothyroidism education from their physicians at the time of diagnosis. Halfof the participants had incorrect hypothyroidism-related knowledge; similar between both genders.Participants with inadequate health literacy had poor knowledge about the hypothyroidism.Hypothyroidism-related health information was sought almost exclusively from health professionals,predominantly regarding treatment, linked to their faith in qualified medical assistance. Economic statusprimarily determined healthcare-seeking behavior. Marital status, education level, annual householdincome and health literacy were significantly associated with knowledge.CONCLUSION: Participants having higher educational qualification, higher annual household incomeand adequate health literacy had considerable knowledge about hypothyroidism. Developing multi-factorial and tailored health education for patients with marginal or inadequate health literacy is needed.Exploring healthcare institutions as a medium for delivery of such education should be explored.