FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PERSISTENT HYPOTHYROIDISM IN UZBEKISTAN: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
Keywords:
hypothyroidism; iodine deficiency; Uzbekistan; anemia; pregnancy; public health.Abstract
Background: Hypothyroidism remains a common public health challenge in Uzbekistan despite targeted iodine prophylaxis and legislative mandates for universal salt iodization. Iodine deficiency is traditionally regarded as the principal cause of hypothyroidism in endemic regions; however, additional nutritional and clinical factors may also contribute to persistent disease burden.
Objective: This narrative review synthesizes current international evidence and regional empirical data to evaluate the contributing factors of persistent hypothyroidism in Uzbekistan.
Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and national legislative databases was conducted for peer-reviewed literature and institutional reports published between 2000–2025.
Results: The sustained prevalence of hypothyroidism in Uzbekistan is associated with chronic environmental iodine deficiency, inconsistent quality control in salt fortification, high national rates of concurrent iron deficiency anemia, which may impair thyroid peroxidase (TPO) activity, and specific gaps in routine prenatal screening. Localized trace element variations, including selenium deficiency, may also affect peripheral hormone metabolism.
Conclusion: Addressing the high prevalence of hypothyroidism requires an integrated micronutrient approach that addresses concurrent iodine and iron deficiencies, alongside optimized quality controls for fortified salt and expanded access to first-trimester screening.
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