ArticleCureus2025
Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Information Technology Professionals With High Screen Exposure.
Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundSubclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) represents a frequently overlooked thyroid dysfunction, particularly in asymptomatic individuals. In occupational contexts where prolonged screen exposure and sedentary behavior are prevalent, such as in the information technology (IT) sector, there is a growing need to evaluate endocrine health through a focused lens. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by examining the prevalence of SCH and its associations with screen time, shift work, and thyroid autoimmunity in a digitally active workforce.
objectiveTo estimate the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism among IT professionals and to examine its association with screen exposure duration, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody status, and occupational factors, including shift work.
methodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2024 among 350 IT professionals aged 22-55 years in Chennai, India. Participants with daily screen exposure ≥8 hours were recruited. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical evaluation. Thyroid function tests (thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (free T3) and free thyroxine (free T4)) and anti-TPO antibody levels were measured using standard chemiluminescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as TSH>4.0 mIU/L with normal levels of free T3 and T4. Anti-TPO positivity was defined as antibody levels >35 IU/mL. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of SCH.
resultsOut of 350 participants (mean age: 32.8±6.9 years; 183 males (52.3%)), 41 individuals (11.7%) were found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. Anti-TPO antibody positivity was observed in 62 participants (17.7%), and among those with SCH, 19 (46.3%) were antibody positive. High screen exposure (≥9 hours/day) was reported by 278 participants (79.4%) and was present in 36 of the 41 SCH cases (87.8%). Screen exposure ≥9 hours/day was significantly associated with SCH (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.14; 95% CI: 1.01-4.52; p=0.045). Anti-TPO positivity emerged as a strong independent predictor of SCH (adjusted OR: 5.33; 95% CI: 2.41-11.76; p<0.001). Although shift work was more common among SCH participants (51.2%) compared to euthyroid individuals (36.6%), the association was not statistically significant after adjustment (adjusted OR: 1.76; p=0.064). No significant associations were found with sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, or physical inactivity.
conclusionThis study highlights a substantial prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (11.7%) in IT professionals with prolonged screen exposure. Prolonged digital engagement and anti-TPO antibody positivity were identified as key risk factors, suggesting a role for occupational exposures and autoimmunity in early thyroid dysfunction. These findings support the need for targeted endocrine screening protocols in screen-intensive workforces to enable early detection and preventive care.
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