Abstract:
Background: Thyroid dysfunction is one of the leading endocrine disorders and represents around
30% to 40% of patients with an endocrine disorder. Thyroid hormones have a crucial role in the
proliferation, production and metabolism of blood cells. Thyroid dysfunction is associated with
hematological abnormalities, particularly anemia. However, data on hematological parameter
abnormalities of thyroid dysfunction patients in the study area are limited.
Objectives: To assess hematological parameter abnormalities and their associated factors in
patients with thyroid dysfunction at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Southwest, Ethiopia, from
October 3 – November 17, 2022.
Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 3 to November
17, 2022, at Jimma Medical Center, among thyroid dysfunction patients. A pre-tested, semi structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data
from participants. Hematological parameters were measured. The collected data were checked
for completeness, entered into the Epi-data version 3.1, and exported to SPSS Version 25.
Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were carried out.
Binary and multiple logistic regression were done. A P-value of less than 0.05 was used as a level
of significance.
Result: A Total of 198 thyroid dysfunctions patients were included. The prevalence of anemia was
(40.9%, 95% CI; 34 -47%), thrombocytopenia was (31.8%, 95% CI; 25.2-38.3%) and leukopenia
was (7.6%, 95% CI; 3.8 – 12.3%). Female [AOR=4.5, 95%, CI=1.1, 17.0, p=0.029], khat chewing
[AOR=3.6, 95%, CI=1.35, 9.6, p=0.010], BMI ≤ 18.5 [AOR=3.5, 95%, CI=1.0, 12.4, p=0.048],
low fruit and vegetable intake [AOR=3.3, 95%, CI=1.06, 10.2, p=0.007],and co-morbid illness
[AOR=2.63, 95%, CI=1.0, 6.6, p=0.040] ), were identified independent predictors of anemia.
Drinking alcohol [AOR = 2.2, 95%, CI =1.0, 5.0, p=0.04] and hypothyroidism [AOR=2.4, 95%,
CI=1.3, 4.6, p=0.005] were identified independent predictors of thrombocytopenia.
Conclusion and recommendation: This finding showed that there was high prevalence of
hematological parameter abnormalities among patients with thyroid dysfunction. Being female,
khat chewing, low BMI, co-morbid illness, low fruit and vegetable intake, could be the potential
risk factor for hematological abnormalities. Therefore, routine screening of hematological
parameters should be considered for the proper management of thyroid dysfunction patients.
