Abstract
BackgroundIodine deficiency is the major preventable cause of irreversible mental retardation in the world. Ethiopia is a country with high prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders which continue to affect a large number of the country’s population. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorder in Wolaita and Dawuro zones.MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in high school and preparatory students in Wolaita and Dawuro zones between April and May 2012. Data were collected from 718 school adolescents using pre-tested questionnaire through systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi-info version 3.5.3 and then transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression were done and the cut off value set was P < 0.05 as this is considered as statistically significant.ResultThe overall prevalence (total goiter rate) of goiter in study area was 351 (48.9%). Students with Grade-1 goiter were 265 (36.9%) while with Grade-2 goiter was 86 (11.9%). Females were by a long way vulnerable for goiter and accounts 60.9% with Pearson correlation coefficient 0.300, P value 0.0001. Generally, the occurrence of goiter in the study area was found to have statistical significant association with sex of respondents (being female) [AOR = 3.526; 95% CI (2.55–4.87)], climatic condition of resident (temperate climate) [AOR = 0.617; 95% CI (0.404–0.943)], frequency of iodized salt use [AOR = 0.484; 95% CI (0.317–0.739)] and consumption of cassava [AOR = 4.184; 95% CI (2.6–6.707)].Conclusion and recommendationIn general, the study revealed that iodine deficiency disorder was a serious public health concern. Nearly half of adolescent students in Wolaita and Dawuro zones were affected by goiter. Therefore, emphasis on a sustainable iodine intervention program targeted at population level, particularly at females is mandatory. Nutrition education along with adequate Universal Salt Iodization program is urgently required.
Highlights
Iodine deficiency is the major preventable cause of irreversible mental retardation in the world
In general, the study revealed that iodine deficiency disorder was a serious public health concern
Half of adolescent students in Wolaita and Dawuro zones were affected by goiter
Summary
Iodine deficiency is the major preventable cause of irreversible mental retardation in the world. One of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies globally, is the main cause of potentially preventable mental retardation in childhood, as well as a spectrum of morbidities referred to as iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Organization estimates that approximately 37% of school-age children, 285 million, and 1.88 billion people worldwide remain at risk of insufficient iodine intake and approximately a third of the world’s population lives in areas with some iodine deficiency [1]. Ethiopia is a country with a high prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders which continue to affect a large number of the country’s population. Goiter prevalence in four regional states namely Southern Nation Nationalities and People Region (SNNPR), Oromia, Benshangul-Gumuz and Tigray was greater than 30%, with the maximum of about 60% in SNNPR, an indication of severe iodine deficiency [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
