Quality of Life and Satisfaction in Hypothyroid Patients
Objective
The first aim is to compare health-related quality of life, daily functioning and the occurrence/intensity of hypothyroid-related symptoms of hypothyroid patients with those of control persons without thyroid disease. The second goal is to assess the satisfaction of hypothyroid patients with their thyroid treatment and care, unveiling possible bottlenecks. Ultimately, we hope to improve the treatment and care for hypothyroid patients.
Results
The quality of life of hypothyroid patients was much lower than that of control persons, despite medication and thyroid blood parameters within reference limits. Patients experienced more problems with daily functioning and reported more intense hypothyroid symptoms than controls. Hypothyroid patients were not very satisfied with LT4 treatment and the care they received around the time of diagnosis. We conclude that persistent complaints were clearly present in hypothyroid patients, despite standard LT4 treatment according to guidelines and serum thyroid parameters within reference limits. We suggest research into improved treatment and care for people with hypothyroidism.
Duration
01 January 2014 - 01 December 2024
Approach
Persistent complaints and satisfaction of treated hypothyroid patients assessed by an online survey on:
- Quality of Life (ThyPRO), vs control group
- Daily functioning (SF36 and additional Q’s), vs control group
- Symptoms, present and past (ThySHI), present symptoms vs control group
- Satisfaction with medication (ThyTSQ and additional Q’s)
- Satisfaction with care (ThyTSQ and additional Q’s)
