Pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding hypothyroidism during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University.

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding hypothyroidism during pregnancy. A cross-sectional study. Conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China, between 10 March 2024 and 15 May 2024. Data were obtained from 411 valid questionnaires (valid response rate: 74.46%). The average age of participants was 31.43±5.42 years. Data were collected using a specifically designed knowledge, attitudes and practices questionnaire. The median (IQR) scores for knowledge, attitude and practice were 14 (10, 17), 30 (23, 35) and 41 (33, 47), respectively. Awareness of thyroid hormone replacement safety during pregnancy, postpartum hypothyroidism risks and potential intellectual development issues in newborns was less than 50%. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that knowledge score (OR=1.068, p=0.008), attitude score (OR=1.075, p<0.001) and having a high school/vocational education (OR=0.406, p=0.025) were independently associated with practice. Structural equation modelling revealed significant direct effects of knowledge on attitude (β=0.416, p<0.001) and practice (β=0.296, p<0.001), as well as attitude on practice (β=0.483, p<0.001). The study finds that pregnant women generally possess good knowledge, positive attitudes and proactive practices regarding hypothyroidism. It emphasises the need for healthcare providers to implement educational interventions to improve understanding and health outcomes for pregnant women with hypothyroidism.