A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence and risk factors for thyroid diseases among adults in selected communities of the Philippines
1
ABC's for Global Health Foundation Inc., City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2972
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Thyroid disorders are often underdiagnosed in the Asia-Pacific region, with a prevalence of approximately 11%. In the Philippines, the last nationwide study (PhilTiDeS 1, 2012) reported an 8.53% prevalence, but updated regional data remains scarce. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and clinical predictors of thyroid dysfunction within underserved communities in Pampanga.
METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 2,358 adults (mean age 45.0 ± 16.3 years; 81.4% female) screened via a medical mobile clinic from December 2024 to December 2025. A two-tier screening algorithm was utilized: Tier 1 involved a 12-item high-risk checklist, and Tier 2 consisted of serum TSH testing. Reflex Free T3 and T4 testing were performed to confirm diagnoses for abnormal TSH levels. Multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of dysfunction relative to a low-risk reference group.
RESULTS:
The total prevalence of thyroid abnormalities was 11.5%. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most frequent diagnosis (6.0%), followed by true hyperthyroidism (3.1%), true hypothyroidism (1.3%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (1.1%). Multinomial regression revealed that clinical signs/symptoms were the strongest predictors for true hyperthyroidism (OR: 137.48, p < 0.001). History of thyroid nodules or surgery significantly increased the risk for both overt hypothyroidism (OR: 29.39) and hyperthyroidism (OR: 10.48). Notably, indigenous status was a powerful predictor for overt hypothyroidism (OR: 7.09) and hyperthyroidism (OR: 14.21). Metabolic comorbidities and pregnancy also significantly elevated the risk for subclinical and overt states.
CONCLUSIONS:
The 11.5% prevalence indicates a higher burden of thyroid disease than previously estimated nationally, likely due to targeted high-risk screening. The significant risk identified in indigenous populations and pregnant women highlights critical diagnostic gaps. Integrating risk-based screening and clinical checklists into primary care through the Universal Healthcare framework is essential for early detection and management in resource-limited settings.
Thyroid disorders are often underdiagnosed in the Asia-Pacific region, with a prevalence of approximately 11%. In the Philippines, the last nationwide study (PhilTiDeS 1, 2012) reported an 8.53% prevalence, but updated regional data remains scarce. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and clinical predictors of thyroid dysfunction within underserved communities in Pampanga.
METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 2,358 adults (mean age 45.0 ± 16.3 years; 81.4% female) screened via a medical mobile clinic from December 2024 to December 2025. A two-tier screening algorithm was utilized: Tier 1 involved a 12-item high-risk checklist, and Tier 2 consisted of serum TSH testing. Reflex Free T3 and T4 testing were performed to confirm diagnoses for abnormal TSH levels. Multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of dysfunction relative to a low-risk reference group.
RESULTS:
The total prevalence of thyroid abnormalities was 11.5%. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most frequent diagnosis (6.0%), followed by true hyperthyroidism (3.1%), true hypothyroidism (1.3%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (1.1%). Multinomial regression revealed that clinical signs/symptoms were the strongest predictors for true hyperthyroidism (OR: 137.48, p < 0.001). History of thyroid nodules or surgery significantly increased the risk for both overt hypothyroidism (OR: 29.39) and hyperthyroidism (OR: 10.48). Notably, indigenous status was a powerful predictor for overt hypothyroidism (OR: 7.09) and hyperthyroidism (OR: 14.21). Metabolic comorbidities and pregnancy also significantly elevated the risk for subclinical and overt states.
CONCLUSIONS:
The 11.5% prevalence indicates a higher burden of thyroid disease than previously estimated nationally, likely due to targeted high-risk screening. The significant risk identified in indigenous populations and pregnant women highlights critical diagnostic gaps. Integrating risk-based screening and clinical checklists into primary care through the Universal Healthcare framework is essential for early detection and management in resource-limited settings.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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