Work

Prevalence and associated factors of thyroid nodules in a health examination cohort: an ultrasound-based cross-sectional study using electronic health records

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: This large-scale cross-sectional study utilized electronic health records (EHRs) to determine the prevalence, sonographic characteristics, and independent correlates of thyroid nodules in a Chinese health examination cohort, with comprehensive adjustment for iodine status, thyroid function, and autoantibodies. Methods: We analyzed data from 12,468 adults undergoing routine check-ups in 2024. Thyroid nodules were assessed via ultrasonography and classified using TI-RADS. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with nodule presence. Results: The prevalence of thyroid nodules was 35.36%, with the vast majority (96.01%) being benign or probably benign (TI-RADS 2-3). Independent correlates included female sex (OR = 1.65, 95% CI:1.51-1.80), older age (per 10-year increment, OR = 1.55, 95% CI:1.47-1.64), family history of thyroid disease (OR = 2.31, 95% CI:2.04-2.61), insufficient iodine intake (OR = 1.38, 95% CI:1.23-1.55), obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.21-1.50), abnormal TSH (OR = 1.32, 95% CI:1.19-1.46), and TPOAb positivity (OR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.13-1.45). Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was protective (OR = 0.73, 95% CI:0.66-0.81). Conclusion: Thyroid nodules are highly prevalent in this population. We identified a profile of both non-modifiable (e.g., sex, age) and modifiable (e.g., iodine nutrition, obesity, physical activity) correlates. These findings highlight targets for preventive health strategies, though future prospective studies in the general population are warranted to confirm causality.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1752140

Authors: Lele Meng, Xueying Zhang

Institution: Henan Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801