Epidemiology of benign thyroid disorders in the adult population of the Republic of Belarus: analysis of nationwide statistics 2009 to 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Nowadays, the Republic of Belarus belongs to the countries with sufficient iodine supply, which made it possible to reduce the incidence of non-toxic goiter and congenital hypothyroidism. However, even a slight change in iodine consumption influences the pattern of thyroid diseases. In addition to iodine deficiency, other environmental conditions, as well as genetic factors, play a significant role in the etiology of thyroid diseases.AIM. To analyze the dynamics of the main epidemiological indicators of benign thyroid diseases from 2009 to 2019 in the adult population of the Republic of Belarus, using the data of official state statistics.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The indicators of the incidence and prevalence of benign thyroid diseases were studied on the basis of state statistics for 2009–2019. To analyze the dynamics of the studied indicators, regression analysis was used with the construction of linear and polynomial models.RESULTS. A decrease in the incidence and prevalence of diffuse euthyroid goiter and an increase in the incidence and prevalence of nodular euthyroid goiter, thyroiditis, acquired hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, as well as the incidence of nodular toxic goiter were revealed.CONCLUSION. Obtained data indicate, that there is an increase in the prevalence of most of the studied thyroid diseases, despite the adequate iodine supply. The above justifies the need for further study of the causes of the identified trends, as well as the necessity of developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases.