[Effect factors of the prevalence of thyroid nodules in Zhejiang Province in 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of thyroid nodules and explore the risk factors for thyroid nodules among the community residents in Zhejiang Province.

METHODS: The residents of twenty-two communities in Zhejiang Province were selectedwith stratified cluster sampling. The cross-sectional survey includes questionnaire, examination on thyroid. The prevalence and related factors of thyroid nodules was described, and the possible risk factors for thyroid nodules was analyzed with logistic regression.

RESULTS: The prevalence of thyroid nodules in Zhejiang was 21. 78%, and the prevalence of a single nodule was 11. 75%, which was higher than that of multiple nodules( 10. 03%). The prevalence of thyroid nodules in men was less than women, urban residents higher than rural, and both increased gradually with age. The residents in coastal areas had the highest prevalence of thyroid nodules, followed by sub-coastal areas, inland minimum. High education level, consumption of seafood habits, high frequency of anger, the history of thyroid disease and iodine deficiency were potential risk factors for thyroid nodules in this surveyed population.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of thyroid nodules in Zhejiang Province was at the middle level, female prevalence was greater than male, and gradully increased with age, the elderly should be the focus of prevention. Although thyroid nodules of children was at the lower rate, it should be paid attention due to high risk to develop to malignancy. High education level, consumption of seafood habits, high frequency of anger, the history of thyroid disease and iodine deficiency were potential risk factors for thyroid nodules, which need to be confirmed by further epidemiologic study.