Clinical Epidemiology & Public Health

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Clinical Epidemiology & Public Health

Volume 3 Number 1 2025

Article Contents

Figures and Tables
RESEARCH ARTICLE   (Open Access)
Contents Vol 3 (1)

Demographic Patterns in Thyroid Dysfunction: Age and Gender Associations from a 7-Year Clinical Cohort in Ibb, Yemen

Mohammed A.M.Y. Al-Hetar 1,2,3* , Norasiykin A. Wahab1,4, Malak Mohammed Al-Hetar2, Nabil Al-joma’ai5, Abdullah Ahmed Faleh2, Adnan Taha Al-jaberi6, Abdullah Almatary3, Mohammad Ebraheem Alezzy2, Eshtiak Mohammed2, Ahd Hamoud Haidar2

+ Author Affiliations

Clinical Epidemiology & Public Health 3 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/health.3110535

Submitted: 15 October 2025 Revised: 14 December 2025  Published: 21 December 2025 

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders, including overt and subclinical forms, are a major public health concern. Accurate biochemical classification is essential for early detection and effective management, particularly in population-based screening.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of thyroid dysfunction and examine age and sex associations using comprehensive hormone profiling.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 4,081 individuals evaluated at a tertiary endocrine center in Ibb, Yemen (August 2018–July 2025). Thyroid status was classified using FT3, FT4, and TSH. Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as elevated TSH with normal FT3/FT4; subclinical hyperthyroidism as suppressed TSH with normal FT3/FT4. Abnormal TSH defined overt hypo and hyperthyroidism with concordant FT3/FT4 changes. Analyses used SPSS v26 and Pearson’s chi-square tests. The cohort comprised 92.4% females, with the majority aged 30–49 years.

Results: Normal thyroid function was observed in 89.3% of participants. Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 10.7%, subclinical hyperthyroidism in 2.7%, overt hypothyroidism in 0.8%, and overt hyperthyroidism in 1.7%. Females were disproportionately represented (92.4%), and the 30–49year age group was most affected. Age showed a significant association with TSH in females (χ² = 10.303, df = 4, p = 0.036) and borderline significance in the total population (χ² = 9.418, df = 4, p = 0.051). FT3 and FT4 showed no consistent age associations. Sex did not consistently influence hormone profiles.

Conclusion: Approximately 13.4% of the population exhibited subclinical thyroid dysfunction. Age was a significant determinant of TSH variation, particularly among women, underscoring the importance of agestratified screening and integrated FT3–FT4–TSH classification in endocrine surveillance.

Keywords: Thyroid dysfunction, subclinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, age association, gender, epidemiology, Ibb-Yemen.

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