Prevalence of goitre among school children in Belgaum District.
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Date
2009-08
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Abstract
Objective. A school survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of goitre among schoolchildren in Belgaum district.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary, middle and high schools of villages selected. All the children
of the selected schools were examined for the presence of goitre and the salt samples obtained from their homes were
tested for iodine content.
Results. Overall prevalence of goitre was 16.7%. Prevalence of palpable goitre was 16.4 % and visible goitre was very low
(0.3%). Higher prevalence was found among females (21.1%) when compared to that of male children (12.8 %).
Prevalence of goitre increased significantly with advancement of age until 16-yr. 72.1 % children were consuming rock salt
and only 27.9 % were consuming powdered salt at their homes. Estimation of Iodine content in the salt samples showed
that 68.7 % of the sample had inadequate iodine content. Prevalence of goitre was significantly high among children who
consumed rock salt (16.2%) as compared to those who used powdered salt (11%).
Conclusion. Strict implementation of salt codization and marketing in rural area is desired. Also health education programme be showed.
Description
Keywords
Goitre prevalence, Spot testing kits, Iodine deficiency, Iodized salt
Citation
Kamath R, Bhat V, Rao R S P, Acharya D, Kapil U, Kotian M S, Nayak D S. Prevalence of goitre among school children in Belgaum District. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2009 Aug; 76(8): 825-828.