Burden of Thyroid Goiter Among Women of Reproductive Age in Cross River State: A Hospital-Based Study

Thyroid goiter remains a prevalent endocrine-surgical condition in Nigeria, particularly among women of reproductive age, with iodine deficiency and autoimmune thyroiditis as leading causes. This hospital-based descriptive study determines the burden, clinical patterns, and management of thyroid goiter among women aged 15 to 49 years attending the surgical outpatient clinic at a tertiary facility in Cross River State, South South Nigeria, from 2021 to 2023. Data from 150 female patients with clinically and ultrasonographically confirmed thyroid goiters were reviewed. Variables included goiter grade (WHO classification), thyroid function test results, age of onset, symptoms, and therapeutic interventions. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS. Grade II goiter was the most prevalent (54%), and the majority of patients were euthyroid at presentation. Compressive symptoms including dysphagia and neck discomfort prompted surgery in 28% of cases. Cosmetic concerns accounted for an additional 22% of surgical requests. Iodine deficiency was implicated in 40% of cases based on dietary history and urinary iodine assessment. The study recommends salt iodization reinforcement, community thyroid screening programs, and greater integration of endocrine surgery expertise in Cross River State tertiary facilities. Keywords: thyroid goiter, iodine deficiency, women, Cross River, endocrine surgery