Impairment of health-related quality of life among Indian patients with hypothyroidism

Context: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important outcome measure for various diseases, although there are sparse data regarding HRQL among Indian patients with hypothyroidism. Aims: This study aimed to assess HRQL among Indian patients with hypothyroidism using the SF-36 questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 244 consecutive patients with hypothyroidism who were treated at the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Bengaluru. All patients were >18 years old and visited the outpatient department for endocrine treatment. Perceived health status was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. The patients' data were compared to data from 250 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Results: Compared to the healthy controls, the patients with hypothyroidism had significantly lower scores for six of the eight SF-36 scales. No significant intergroup differences were observed in the “role emotional” and “social functioning” dimensions. Interpretation and Conclusions: Hypothyroidism was associated with reduced HRQL among Indian patients. These patients generally experienced greater reductions in physical dimensions, compared to social and emotional dimensions.