Endemic goiter in School Children in Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is a serious threat to the health and well being of people residing in goiter endemic areas. Objective: To determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among school children. Methods: A school-based cross sectional survey was conducted in Kafa Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia in January 2003. A total of 1044 students, aged 6 - 15 years, drawn from three Elementary Schools were selected by though the systematic random sampling method. Data on sociodemographic characteristics were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Physical examination was conducted to identify the presence or absence of goiter. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.0. Results: The prevalence of goiter among the study population was found to be 27.4% {95% CI = (24.7, 30.1)}. The faminine sex was found to be significantly associated with incidence of goiter (P< 0.001). The prevalence of goiter in the three schools was 146 (42.0 %) {95% CI = (36.8, 47.2)} in Shomba kuri, 82 (23.6%) {95% CI = (19.1, 28.1)} in Mera and 58 (16.7%) {95% CI = (12.8, 20.6)} in Abera Yuda primary schools. The prevalence of goiter in Shomba kuri, located at a lower altitude, was significantly higher than that of the other schools (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that IDD is a public health problem in the zone. Goiter was more prevalent among females than males. Continuous, concerted efforts should be exeted to strengthen information, education and communication (IEC) activities in order to create awareness about the detrimental effects of IDD prevention, and encourage iodated salt consumption. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2004; 18(3):175-178]