Objective: This study aimed to investigate the level of awareness and knowledge of thyroid disease symptoms, risk factors, and its neuropsychiatric clinical manifestations among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey of adult participants from Saudi Arabia. The self-completed questionnaire included socio-demographic data, a 28-item assessment of knowledge of the thyroid gland, and a test on the neuropsychiatric impacts of thyroid disorders.
Results: Of the 1,188 completed surveys, 76.3% were females, and 47.3% were between 18 and 25 years old. The overall mean knowledge score was 17.8 (standard deviation 6.91) out of 28 points, and 26.3% had poor knowledge about thyroid disease, while 29.5% were good. Factors associated with higher knowledge included younger age, being single, living outside the Western Region, having a bachelor’s or higher degree, undergoing thyroid screening, and having high self-rated knowledge of neuropsychiatric manifestation. Significant independent predictors of low knowledge of the neuropsychiatric manifestation of thyroid disease include living in the Western Region and not undergoing thyroid screening.
Conclusion: Knowledge of thyroid disease and its neuropsychiatric manifestations was generally low. Older age, marital status, and lower education were linked to poor knowledge. Efforts to address knowledge gaps are needed, with healthcare institutions playing a key role.
Key words: Thyroid disease, knowledge, neuropsychiatric manifestations, thyroid dysfunction, Saudi Arabia
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