Knowledge of hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine use

Knowledge of Hypothyroid Patients on Levothyroxine Use Aim: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease in the community and is treated with levothyroxine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of patients using levothyroxine about drug use. Method: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional, descriptive study at Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine between July 2021 and October 2021. The study included 384 patients over the age of 18 who applied to the Family Medicine and Endocrinology outpatient clinics and used levothyroxine. The questionnaire form prepared by the researchers in order to measure the information about the sociodemographic characteristics and the correct use of levothyroxine was applied to the participants by face-to-face interview method. Results: The mean age of the 384 participants in our study was 46.5 (±13.6) years, and 90.4% (n=347) were women. With 98.2% (n=377), the proposition that the largest number of participants thought true was that LT4 should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast. The proposition with the least number of participants, with a rate of 31.0% (n=119), was that if drugs such as calcium and iron were to be used, a time difference of at least 4 hours should be left between calcium and iron and LT4. There was a statistically significant difference between the answers given to this statement and age (p=0.000), educational status (p=0.002), occupation (p=0.000) and calcium use (p=0.000). The proposition that the highest number of participants misunderstood with a rate of 33.1% (n=136) was the proposition in which LT4 side effects were questioned. There was a statistically significant difference between the answers given to the proposition and age (p=0.019), educational status (p=0.000), occupation (p=0.003), history of thyroid surgery (p=0.047) and the physician followed (p=0.004). Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that the level of knowledge of the participants about the use of levothyroxine was low. As a result of our study, it was concluded that detailed information about drug use, possible interactions and side effects should be given to patients in order to increase drug compliance, which is an important component of treatment. Keyword: Hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, drug adherence, treatment adherence