Knowledge level of hypothyroidism and appropriate medication use in patients using levothyroxine

Indroduction and Aim: Hypothyroidism is a commonly encountered endocrine disorder in the community, and effective management is crucial for maintaining control. Successful management of the disease is closely associated with patient compliance. One of the most significant factors influencing patient compliance is the level of knowledge regarding the disease and medication usage. Non-compliance with treatment imposes a significant financial burden on the healthcare system, increases physician visits, and undermines the doctor-patient relationship. The aim of this study is to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism, as well as their levels of knowledge about the disease and their adherence to appropriate medication usage. Materials and Methods: This study is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. It was conducted on 120 hypothyroid patients aged between 18 and 75 who presented to the Family Medicine clinics of Hitit University Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital for any reason and met the inclusion criteria. During the encounter with participants, data were collected using a questionnaire form prepared by the researcher and supervisor, consisting of socio-demographic information, questions related to correct medication usage, and hypothyroidism knowledge level, which were formed through a literature review. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods with the SPSS 25 package program. Results: The average age of the patients participating in the study is 51.33, and 85% of them are female. The average duration of the disease for patients is found to be 10 years. 59.17% of the patients have been determined to have a normal TSH value. 60.83% of the patients have an additional chronic disease. There was no relationship found between the presence of additional diseases and medication compliance or knowledge level. 82.5% of the patients store their medication at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius) in a dark place, 99.17% take the medication in the morning, and 72.27% take it at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Of those using iron, calcium, or PPI, only 6.9% leave the necessary 4-hour gap between LT4. None of the participants who crush the thyroid medication discard the remaining pieces. When comparisons were made according to education level, participants with high school and higher education levels were found to have significantly higher levels of knowledge about the duration of hypothyroidism follow-up, symptoms, lifelong medication use, drugs interacting with thyroid hormones, and thyroid hormone use during pregnancy, and appropriate storage of thyroid medication compared to those with less than high school education (p<0.05). Among healthcare workers, knowledge levels about the duration of hypothyroidism follow-up, symptoms, lifelong medication use, drugs interacting with thyroid hormones, and use during pregnancy were significantly higher compared to other occupational groups (p<0.05). Discussion-Conclusions: In the sociodemographic evaluation, it was observed that female gender, younger age, healthcare workers, and individuals with a high school education or higher tend to use medication more accurately and have higher levels of knowledge compared to other groups. However, it is noteworthy that even within these groups, there were knowledge gaps. The department where patients were followed, monthly income level, and age did not have a significant effect on medication compliance. Furthermore, the presence of additional diseases and marital status did not impact medication compliance and knowledge level. There was no significant relationship found between hypothyroidism knowledge level and appropriate medication use. To improve hypothyroidism knowledge level and proper medication use, educational programs can be organized and patient counseling services can be provided. Additionally, creating simple and understandable informational materials tailored to hypothyroidism patients can be supportive.