Factors Associated With Psychological Distress in Individuals With Thyroid Diseases: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review
Author(s)
ANJANA BC, MPH1, Anjitha Krishna, MPH1, Tapasvi Puwar, MPH2, Elstin Anbu Raj, M PHARM3, Edlin Mathias, PhD4, Divya Patil, PhD5.
1Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India, 2Dept. of Public Health Sciences, Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, India, 3Centre for Evidence-informed Decision-making, Prasanna school of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 4Centre for Evidence-informed Decision-making, Health Technology and Informatics, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 5Centre for Evidence-informed Decision-making, Health Technology and Informatics, Prasanna school of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
1Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India, 2Dept. of Public Health Sciences, Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, India, 3Centre for Evidence-informed Decision-making, Prasanna school of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 4Centre for Evidence-informed Decision-making, Health Technology and Informatics, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, 5Centre for Evidence-informed Decision-making, Health Technology and Informatics, Prasanna school of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
OBJECTIVES: The systematic review aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of psychological distress in individuals with thyroid diseases and to analyze the patient experience that leads to psychological distress.
METHODS: A search was conducted in six electronic databases between 2000 to 2025. Studies assessing psychological distress in patients with thyroid disease, published in the English language, were included. Studies including primary psychiatric disorders or comorbidities along with psychological distress were excluded. Title-abstract and full-text screening was conducted using Rayyan software by two authors independently, and conflicts were resolved through discussion with the third author. The data from the articles included were extracted independently by two authors. The quality assessment of quantitative and qualitative studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and CASP, respectively. The data was represented using thematic analysis and through pooled prevalence, along with a descriptive summary. The review was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies, including 22 quantitative and five qualitative, were included in this systematic review. The prevalence of psychological distress and emotional distress was estimated to be 48.5% (95% CI: 37.3% to 59.6%) and 46.5% (95% CI: 19.2% to 73.7%). Based on the subgroup analysis, the prevalence is elevated among females, upper-middle-income nations, and individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The key themes identified included the patient experience during diagnosis, throughout treatment, and post-treatment
CONCLUSIONS: Comprehending the psychological distress experienced by individuals with thyroid diseases and the associated factors is essential for creating effective care strategies and improving treatment outcomes, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.
METHODS: A search was conducted in six electronic databases between 2000 to 2025. Studies assessing psychological distress in patients with thyroid disease, published in the English language, were included. Studies including primary psychiatric disorders or comorbidities along with psychological distress were excluded. Title-abstract and full-text screening was conducted using Rayyan software by two authors independently, and conflicts were resolved through discussion with the third author. The data from the articles included were extracted independently by two authors. The quality assessment of quantitative and qualitative studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and CASP, respectively. The data was represented using thematic analysis and through pooled prevalence, along with a descriptive summary. The review was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies, including 22 quantitative and five qualitative, were included in this systematic review. The prevalence of psychological distress and emotional distress was estimated to be 48.5% (95% CI: 37.3% to 59.6%) and 46.5% (95% CI: 19.2% to 73.7%). Based on the subgroup analysis, the prevalence is elevated among females, upper-middle-income nations, and individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The key themes identified included the patient experience during diagnosis, throughout treatment, and post-treatment
CONCLUSIONS: Comprehending the psychological distress experienced by individuals with thyroid diseases and the associated factors is essential for creating effective care strategies and improving treatment outcomes, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH110
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Methodological & Statistical Research
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), Mental Health (including addition), No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas