Assessment of Iodine deficiency in children age ranged 8-14 years of age

Abstract

Background: It is found that more than 1.5 billion population of the world are at the risk of iodine deficiency disorders. The present study was conducted to assess iodine deficiency in children. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 620 children of age ranged 8-14 years of age of both genders. Children were screened for goitre by standard palpation method and were graded according to the criteria recommended WHO. Salt samples were collected and were tested qualitatively on spot with MBI kit and iodine concentration was recorded as 0, 15 ppm. Results: Out of 620 children, boys were 380 and girls were 240. Grade 0 was seen in 320 boys and 210 girls. Grade 1 was seen in 40 boys and 20 girls and grade 2 was seen in 20 boys and 10 girls. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). 0 ppm was seen in 40 boys and 10 girls, 15 ppm in 280 boys and 200 girls. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that iodine deficiency is frequently seen in school children. Grade 1 was seen in 60 children and grade 2 in 30 children.