Goiter prevalence in Kermanshahian primary school children, 9 years after Iodine salt consumption (2001)

Background & Objectives: Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is the most common endocrine disorder in the world. It is estimated that about 1.5 billion people are in iodine deficiency state. Many studies have shown the high prevalence of endemic goiter and iodine deficiency in Iran.  For control of this health problem salt iodinization is the best  accepted strategy in the world.

The main objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of iodide salt  after 9  years of iodide salt consumption.

Materials and methods: In a quasi-experimental study 637 primary school children were examined clinically for goiter based on WHO classification, and their urine was evaluated for iodine per gram creatinine.

Results: 94 students (14.7%) including 50 males (15.38%) and 44 females (14.1%) had goiter,  with no significant difference between two sexes.

The most common grade of goiter was 1a. Compared with a previous report in 1992, there  was no significant increase in goiter prevalence but increase in urine iodine was   statistically significant (P<0001).

Discussion : Despite increase in  urine iodine concentration, the rate of goiter is not decreased. It seems that salt iodinization and iodine consumption should be increased.