PREVALENCE OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN HILLY DISTRICT OF KASHMIR.

Background: Thyroid disorders are highly prevalent especially hypothyroidism that has been reported in Kashmir Valley of India. Further, Shopian being a Hilly District and excess of pesticides are used there for agricultural purpose. So, we conducted a study to see the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients attending Community Health Centre Zainapora. Objective: To see the prevalence of hypothyroidism in the local population who visited the outpatient department of Community Health Centre Zainapora. Material & Methods: This was a Cross-sectional study carried out for one year and was conducted in Community Health Centre Zainapora of District Shopian. Random samples of 367 patients with suspected thyroid dysfunction were taken. Results: A total of 367 study subjects were taken. Out of which 267 were females and 100 were males. Prevalence of hypothyroidism in present study was found to be 28%. 71% patients were euthyroid, 19% were subclinical and 9% were overt. Female hypothyroidism was more prevalent than male hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypothyroidism was found to be high especially the overt hypothyroidism.