Prevalence and risk factors of iodine deficiency among schoolchildren

Abstract

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the prevalence of iodine deficiency among schoolchildren and the risk factors influencing it. One thousand five hundred and seventy-three schoolchildren were chosen from 14 schools in seven different regions in Istanbul. After all data relating to sociodemographic factors and the use of iodized salt were recorded, iodine contents of urine samples were determined by the Sandell Kolthoff reaction. Chi-squared and multiple regression analysis were used for the investigation of the correlation between iodine deficiency and risk factors. The prevalence of goitre (greater than or equal to2 grade) was 1.9 per cent. The median urine iodine level was in the normal range (10.5 mug/dl). In 46.2 per cent of the students the urine iodine levels were below 10 mug/dl and 13.9 per cent of the students had urine iodine levels below 5 mug/dl. The prevalence of iodine deficiency was significantly higher in younger (less than or equal to10 years) children, in children with less educated mothers and fathers, and with poorer and more crowded families (p0.05). Although the median urine iodine level was in the normal range, in 46.2 per cent of the students urine iodine levels were low (<10 mug/dl). As there seems to be no effect from the use of iodized salt in iodine deficiency, the use of a more stable potassium iodate for the fortification of salt may be required.