Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Children in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India

• Published in: Indian pediatrics Vol. 57; no. 9; pp. 811 - 814
• Main Authors: Bhattacharyya, Himashree, Nath, Chandan K., Pala, Star, Medhi, G. K., Chutia, Happy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Springer India 01.09.2020
• Subjects: Maternal and Child Health; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pediatric Surgery; Pediatrics; Research Paper; Goiter; Iodized salt; Urinary iodine excretion
• ISSN: 0019-6061; 0974-7559
• DOI: 10.1007/s13312-020-1959-7

Objective To assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among school-going children in Meghalaya. Methods Multi-stage 30 cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size (PPS) method was used. Children (age 6–12years) were examined clinically for goiter. Urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was performed by spectrophotometric method. Iodine content in the salt was analyzed using iodized salt test kits. Results A total of 195 (7.22%) out of 2700 children had goiter on examination. Goitre prevalence was significantly associated with wasting ( P <0.05) and stunting ( P < 0.001). The median (IQR) UIE level was 150 (108.05–189.37) µg/dL. Nineteen (9.74%) children had severe iodine deficiency (UIE<20µg/L). Iodine content was above the recommended level of 15 ppm in 95.9% salt samples. A positive correlation was observed between household salt consumption and UIE levels ( r =0.25; P <0.001). Conclusion Iodine deficiency disorder is a public health problem in Meghalaya, which needs to be addressed.