Prevalence of goitre and iodine deficiency among school-age children (6–12 years) in southern district of Kashmir

Kouser Sideeq, Misbah Kawoosa, Labeeb Mir, S. M. Salim Khan, Shahroz Nabi, Musadiq Hussain, Aashkar Bashir Wani, Mehvish Ahsan
Author(s)
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. 2Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine Government Medical College. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. 3Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. 4Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. 5Resident, Department of Neurosurgery Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala, Haryana, India. 6Resident, Department of Medicine Government Medical College, Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir, India. 7Resident, Department of Ophthalmology Government Medical College Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

Background: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) remain among the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency disorders worldwide and continue to pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in mountainous regions. India continues to bear a considerable burden despite implementation of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme. Kashmir Valley has historically been recognized as an endemic region. The present study assessed the prevalence of goitre among school-going children aged 6–12 years in Shopian district. Material and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,700 school children selected through a two-stage cluster sampling technique from 30 schools. Thyroid examination followed WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria. Household salt (n=557) and urine (n=298) samples were analysed using iodometric titration and the Sandell–Kolthoff method. Results: The Total Goitre Rate (TGR) was 25.9% (95% CI: 24.2–27.5). Grade I goitre was present in 24.2% and Grade II in 1.8%. Prevalence was almost similar among males (26.1%) and females (25. 8%).Conclusion: IDDs remain a significant public health problem among school children in Shopian district. Strengthened universal salt iodization and periodic surveillance are recommended.

Keywords: Goitre; Iodine deficiency disorders; School children; Urinary iodine; Universal salt iodization; Kashmir; Shopian.


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