Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency disorder is a major problem worldwide, especially during pregnancy
and childhood. The magnitude of the problem is quite big in Ethiopia. The main aim of the present study
was to determine the prevalence and severity of iodine deficiency disorders.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shebe Senbo District on January 2011. Three
elementary schools were selected by lottery method from 20 schools. From each school, students were
selected by simple random sampling. Spot urine sample (5 ml) was taken to measure urine iodine level;
physical exam was made to palpate goiter and salt samples were collected to estimate iodine content.
RESULTS: Out of 389 participants, 179 (46%) were males. The total goiter rate was 59.1% (Grade 1:
35.2%; Grade 2:23.9%). The median urinary iodine level was 56 µg/L that indicates iodine deficiency.
Out of 389 households in the study area, 277 (71.2%) were using non-iodinated salt, 102 (26.2%) of the
households were using iodinated salt. Cabbage usage was significantly associated with goiter.
CONCLUSION: Endemic goiter is quite prevalent in the study area. Median urinary iodine value of the
study samples was found to be far lower than standards. Quality of the salt used by the study population
was found to be poor in its iodine content. The use of cabbage (goitrogen) has shown remarkable
influence on the development of goiter. Therefore, awareness creation and distribution of iodized salt are
highly recommended.
