RELAÇÃO ENTRE QUALIDADE DE VIDA, HÁBITOS, PERFIL CLÍNICO E SOCIODEMOGRÁFICO DE PACIENTES DIAGNOSTICADOS COM HIPOTIREOIDISMO NO SUL DO MARANHÃO

Abstract

Introduction: hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency. Its symptoms affect both physical and mental health, causing significant impacts on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Objective: to evaluate the QoL of patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and its relationship with clinical, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors. Methodology: this is an analytical cross-sectional study. Sixty-six patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the Medical Specialties Center of Imperatriz participated in the study. QoL was assessed using the ThyPRO-39 questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of variables was performed, and QoL was compared with sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, and lifestyle habits. Kendall's tau (τ) correlation coefficients were calculated between the domains of ThyPRO-39 and QoL. Results: participants who had already entered the climacteric period showed better QoL (p=0.03). Patients who experienced symptom improvement after starting treatment also demonstrated better quality of life (p=0.003). Paradoxically, patients who had not yet started treatment showed better QoL (p=0.003). No statistical significance was observed in other comparisons. A significant and positive correlation with low to moderate magnitude was found between QoL and the 12 domains of ThyPRO-39, suggesting that these domains impact QoL. Conclusion: this study observed a low to moderate impact on quality of life. Future studies are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the quality of life of patients with hypothyroidism.