Prevalence and Predictors of Thyroid Nodules Among Adults: Analyzing the Association with Metabolic Syndrome in a Cross-sectional Study

Background: Thyroid nodules are prevalent clinical findings with potential for malignancy, particularly in aging populations. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by interrelated metabolic abnormalities, has been implicated as a potential risk factor. This study explores the prevalence of thyroid nodules and their association with metabolic syndrome, leveraging data from a large cohort.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted within the Persian Organizational Cohort in Mashhad, comprising 4,121 participants aged 35-70 years. Thyroid nodules were identified via ultrasonography, and metabolic syndrome was assessed using the NCEP ATP III criteria. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models to identify predictors of thyroid nodules.

Results: Thyroid nodules were detected in 27.4% of participants, with a higher prevalence in females (60%) than males (40%, p < 0.001). The average age of individuals with nodules was significantly higher than those without (47.9 vs. 43.5 years, p < 0.001). Metabolic syndrome prevalence was notably higher among those with thyroid nodules (5.3% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.028). Logistic regression analysis identified metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.43, p = 0.03), age (OR = 1.05 per year increase, p < 0.001), and gender as significant predictors of thyroid nodules.

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome significantly predicts the presence of thyroid nodules, suggesting shared pathophysiological mechanisms, including chronic inflammation and hormonal dysregulation. These findings underscore the importance of integrating metabolic health management into thyroid nodule evaluation and highlight the need for multidisciplinary approaches to optimize care and prevention strategies.