Background: Thyroid disorders are amongst the most prevalent of the medical condition. According to the World health organization (WHO), more than 190 million suffer from iodine deficiency disorders. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the thyroid dysfunction and degree of awareness regarding thyroid diseases among Saudi Arabian population. Methodology: An online survey was conducted among 367 adult residents in Saudi Arabia. An Arabic self-administered questionnaire was filled by the participants including socio-demographic data other questions to assess knowledge about the type and functions of the thyroid gland, its disorders, factors affecting thyroid disorders, and their common manifestations. Results: Among the total 367 participants who responded to the online questionnaire, 30.8% were aged between 20 to 35 years, 76.3% were females and 22.3% were males. Statistical analysis showed that 140 (57.32%) of respondents had good knowledge, whereas 188 of them (42.68%) had poor knowledge of thyroid disorder diseases. Age, Sex, education, and occupation had no significant effect on the knowledge level of the respondents (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge of thyroid disorders was not found good enough among Saudi Arabian population. The present study warrants the educational program and awareness campaigns on thyroid disorders for the general population.
Key words: Thyroid disorders, awareness, knowledge, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism.
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