Objective To investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules and associated factors among teachers in Hengshui.
Methods A total of 2 863 teachers who underwent physical examinations in a general hospital from January 2012 to July 2013 were included. Physical examination data and self-administered questionnaires were collected for statistical analysis.
Results ① The general prevalence of thyroid nodules was 31.68% (907/2 863) in participated teachers. The prevalence rates of thyroid nodules among males and females were 25.85％ and 35.93％ respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=32.779, P=0.000). ② Regarding the nature of thyroid nodule among the 907 participants with thyroid nodules ranged from 2 mm& #215;1mm to 80 mm& #215; 87 mm, 515 cases were multiple (56.78%) and 392 cases were single (43.22%); 428 cases were bilateral, 479 cases were unilateral, among which 256 cases were located in right lobe and 223 cases were in left lobe; 613 cases were solid (67.59%), 140 cases were cystic (15.44%), 86 cases were solid and cystic (9.48%), and 68 cases were calcification (7.50%) (P<0.01). ③ With age increasing, the prevalence of thyroid nodules increased (trend χ2=92.852, P=0.000). The highest prevalence rate (46.31%) was found in the group aged >60 years, and the female prevalence rate was higher than the male in each age group (P<0.05).④ The female prevalence rate was higher than the male in secondary schools and universities (P<0.05). ⑤ The results of logistic regression analysis showed that female teachers were more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid nodules than male teachers (OR=1.939, 95% CI: 1.622-2.318); the prevalence of thyroid nodules increased with age (OR=1.388, 95% CI: 1.299-1.483); poor sleeping quality was associated with the occurrence of thyroid nodules (OR=1.999, 95% CI: 1.647-2.426).
Conclusion The prevalence of thyroid nodules is high among the teachers in Hengshui and modified by gender and age. Poor sleeping quality could be a potential risk factor for thyroid nodules. Promoting healthy working and living style, especially adequate sleeping, may help prevent thyroid nodules in teachers.
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