A Study on Estimate of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Iodized Salt Consumption in Sitamarhi District of Bihar

Abstract

Background-Elimination of iodine deficiency disorder is a very important health and social goal.Iodine deficiency at critical stages during pregnancy and early childhood results in impaired development of brain and subsequent impaired mental function. Objective is To estimate the proportion of householdsusingadequatelyiodized saltand to estimate the Total GoiterRate (TGR) in children ofage6-12years.Material and Method- A cross sectional study was carried out in few administratively selected blocks using simple random sampling. A total of 172 households and 5 schools were visited and 172 children were examined clinically for presence of goiter .Salt samples were collected from every household for iodometric titration. Statistical analysis was done in excel. Result-The respondents were mainly females living in pukka houses with recently built toilet facilities. All of them were using packet salt (retail iodine content-100%, household iodine content -76.9%) but storage of salt was either from the packet itself , Any container without lid and covered container . Presence of goiter after clinical examination was 5.2 %. Conclusion-Sitamarhi district needs more awareness about storage and use of iodized salt. It falls under mild endemic for IDD.