THYROID STATUS OF THE POPULATION LIVING IN AN IODINE-DEFICIENT REGION

Abstract

Iodine deficiency contributes to the development of various pathological processes in the thyroid gland, such as diffuse goiter, autoimmune diseases, nodules, and thyroid cancer. Approximately one-third of the population of the Republic of Uzbekistan continues to experience the adverse effects of iodine deficiency despite ongoing national prevention programs. The most significant thyroid alterations leading to a decline in the intellectual potential of the population are associated with impaired thyroid hormone secretion. Objective: To assess the thyroid status of residents from three regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan and evaluate the prevalence of thyroid hormonal disorders. Materials and Methods: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test results of 25,166 residents of Uzbekistan were analyzed, including data from 8,244 residents of Tashkent, 15,205 residents of Samarkand Region, and 1,717 residents of Syrdarya Region. Data were collected in 2024–2025 from individuals who presented to family clinics and endocrinology dispensaries for thyroid function assessment. Results: Based on aggregated data from the three regions, a total of 25,166 individuals were examined. Among them, 18,084 (71.8%) were diagnosed with euthyroidism, with a mean TSH level of 1.93 mIU/mL. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 5,346 (21.2%) residents, with a mean TSH level of 8.75 mIU/mL. Hyperthyroidism was identified in 1,736 (6.9%) individuals, with a mean TSH level of 0.16 mIU/mL. Conclusions: Despite ongoing national efforts to reduce iodine deficiency and improve endocrine care services in Uzbekistan, 28% of the population demonstrates thyroid dysfunction. The prevalence of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in the studied cohort was higher than the reported prevalence in developed countries, such as the United States and European nations.