Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders constitute a significant global public health burden, disproportionately affecting women and often linked to iodine deficiency. In Sudan, particularly in northern regions like Atbara and Eldamer, updated local epidemiological data are scarce, hindering effective health planning and interventions.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, types, and clinical characteristics of thyroid disorders among patients at Atbara and Eldamer Teaching Hospitals.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to August 2025. Using convenience sampling, 103 adult patients with clinically and/or laboratory-confirmed thyroid diseases were enrolled from medical and surgical departments. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and medical record reviews, capturing demographics, clinical features, types of disorders, medication use, surgical history, and thyroid function test results (TSH, T3, T4). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.
Results: The cohort comprised 103 participants, predominantly female (61.2%), with a median age of 35 years (IQR: 27-48). The most common disorders were goiter (25.2%), hypothyroidism (24.3%), and hyperthyroidism (17.5%). Neck swelling (46.6%), tachycardia (28.2%), and general fatigue (21.4%) were the leading symptoms. A high proportion of patients had a history of thyroid surgery (59.2%), and 30.1% were on thyroid medication. Thyroid function tests revealed significant dysfunction: 15.5% had elevated TSH, 8.7% had very low TSH, and 10.7% each had elevated T3 and T4 levels.
Conclusion: Thyroid disorders present a significant health burden in northern Sudan, particularly among young to middle-aged women. The high prevalence of goiter, coupled with elevated surgical and medication rates, underscores an urgent need for enhanced public awareness, early screening programs, improved diagnostic capabilities, and strengthened iodine supplementation initiatives in the region.

Keywords:Thyroid disorders; Goiter; Hypothyroidism; Hyperthyroidism; Epidemiology; Sudan; Women’s health; Public health