Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, UK.
British Thyroid Foundation, Harrogate, UK.
Health Expect. 2018 Jun;21(3):628-635. doi: 10.1111/hex.12656. Epub 2018 Feb 21.
Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder, more so in an increasing UK ageing population. There is no qualitative research examining the older patient perspective of symptoms, treatment and self-management of hypothyroidism.
In this study we explored the experience of hypothyroidism in older people and examined how this may influence their understanding and acceptance of diagnosis, treatment with Levothyroxine and the monitoring process.
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 participants aged between 80 and 93 years. Interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach.
The themes involved older individuals' knowledge about symptoms, confidence in diagnosis and understanding of clinical management regimen to understand hypothyroidism. Interpretation of the themes was informed by the Health Belief Model.
Our findings can help to inform the development of interventions by treating clinicians and support staff to engage older patients in the long-term management of this chronic condition.
原发性甲状腺功能减退症是一种常见的内分泌疾病，在英国不断老龄化的人口中更为常见。目前尚无定性研究探讨老年患者对甲状腺功能减退症症状、治疗和自我管理的看法。
本研究旨在探讨老年人甲状腺功能减退症的患病体验，并探讨其对诊断、左甲状腺素治疗和监测过程的理解和接受程度的影响。
我们对 18 名年龄在 80 至 93 岁之间的参与者进行了半结构式访谈。使用主题分析方法对访谈记录进行分析。
主题包括老年人对症状的了解、对诊断的信心以及对临床管理方案的理解，以了解甲状腺功能减退症。主题的解释受到健康信念模型的启发。
我们的研究结果可以帮助为治疗临床医生和支持人员制定干预措施提供信息，以便让老年患者参与这种慢性疾病的长期管理。
