Goitre prevalence and progress over the last decade towards iodine deficiency elimination in Kutch district, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Objective: to find out prevalence of goitre in primary school children; to compare prevalence with previous survey; to determine median urinary iodine concentration; to assess level of iodine in salt samples at household and retail shop level; and to study profile of salt sold at retail shops. Material and Methods : 30 cluster survey study in primary schools of Kutch district. Children studying in 1st to 7th Standard. Total 70 students including five boys and five girls from 1st to 7th standard present in class on the day of visit were selected randomly for Goitre examination, so, total 2100 students were examined in schools. Urine sample was collected from one boy & one girl from each standard in each cluster. From community, 28 students including two boys and two girls from each standard in same age group were examined and also salt samples were tested from their households. From each village, one retail shop was visited and salts were purchased and tested for iodine on the spot with spot kit. Results: Total Goitre Rate was found 11% among primary school children compared to 1.2% in year 2000. As the age increases the Goitre prevalence also increases except in age of 8 years. Median urinary iodine excretion level was found 110 µg/L. Iodine level >15 ppm was found in 92% salts samples tested at household level. Conclusion: Present study showed mild goitre prevalence in primary school children in Kutch district of Gujarat state due to inadequate iodine intake or content from salt at household level.

Keywords

• Goitre survey
• IDD
• elimination
• prevalence
• primary school children
• household level