Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodule (TN) is defined as the abnormal growth of thyroid cells, with an increasing trend worldwide. In this case-control study, we intended to evaluate demographic and environmental factors involved in TNs to determine the values predicting the risk of TN incidence. METHODS: 103 patients with confirmed TN through ultrasound imaging were assigned to the nodular group, and 101 patients with negative results of TN were considered control counterparts. Data collection was performed using a checklist from February 2021 to August 2022. Uni- and multivariable logistic analyses were applied to ascertain prognostic risk factors. RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence of TNs was significantly higher in females (90.3%, p<0.001). We also found that a history of exposure to ionizing radiation with a diagnostic dose (83.5%, p<0.001), hypothyroidism (37.9%, P=0.005), hyperthyroidism (7.8%, P= 0.005), family history of thyroid disease (58.3%, p<0.001), unusual stress (68.9 %, p<0.001), and taking medications inferring thyroid function (10.7%, P=0.01) in the nodular group, which were consistent with the results of logistic regression analysis can be considered the potential prognostic values to predict the risk of incident TN. CONCLUSION: The role of unusual stress on TN development is highlighted in this study. diagnosis and proper management of determinants such as unusual stress involved Early in TN pathogenesis through lifestyle modification, community awareness, and screening of the family with TN history would be more appreciable in order to decline TN incidence and prevalence, particularly in the predisposed population.