Knowledge on low-iodine diet among thyroid cancer patients preparing for radioactive iodine therapy: A cross-sectional study in Hanoi

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to describe patients’ knowledge of the low-iodine diet (LID) and to assess patients’ needs for nutritional counseling related to LID among thyroid cancer patients preparing for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 thyroid cancer patients at two large hospitals in Hanoi between May and October 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The mean knowledge score was moderate (5.95 ± 2.10 out of 11 points). Nearly all participants (98.7%) expressed a need for nutritional counseling regarding LID prior to RAI therapy. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated insufficient knowledge regarding the low-iodine diet, indicating substantial unmet educational needs among thyroid cancer patients before RAI therapy