DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i12.012

Pages: 1206-1209

Background: Hypothyroidism is among the most common endocrine disorders globally, yet national data in Qatar remains limited. Given Qatar’s high burden of obesity and diabetes, thyroid disorders may represent an under-recognized component of the chronic disease landscape. Objectives: To review existing evidence on the epidemiology of hypothyroidism and clinical patterns and highlight priorities of future research and policy. Methods: We performed a narrative synthesis of published studies and a secondary analysis of anonymized national datasets from the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) between 2018–2024. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used to estimate prevalence, demographic distribution, and comorbidity patterns. Results: The estimated adult prevalence of hypothyroidism in Qatar is 4.7%, with markedly higher rates among females (7.9%) compared to males (2.1%). Subclinical hypothyroidism accounts for approximately 35% of all cases. The disorder is associated with obesity (adjusted OR 2.3), type 2 diabetes (OR 1.8), dyslipidemia (OR 1.6), and depression (OR 1.9). Despite its clinical significance, there is no national screening policy, and data on incidence and long-term outcomes are lacking. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism represents an important but under-characterized public health concern in Qatar. Establishing national surveillance systems and conducting longitudinal studies are essential to guide policy and improve population-level management.