Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders among population of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Iodine insufficiency is prevalent throughout the world, and is rated as one of the most significant public health concerns in more than 125 countries. Secondary to the insufficient dietary consumption of iodine, almost two billion individuals are prone to suffer from iodine deficiency disorders worldwide. The present survey was conducted in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh in order to assess the extent of iodine deficiency disorders, 55 years after the initiation of salt iodisation programme.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. A close ended pretested questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic information of the participants. Iodine content of salt and water was assessed with the use of I-Check and AQUA test kits in the households.Results: A total of 230 households were surveyed for the consumption of iodised salt which showed that 100% of the study population was using packet iodised salt for consumption. Majority of the population (92.6%) were placing their salt container near chulah in their kitchen and 73.5% were adding the salt in the beginning of the cooking followed by 16.1% in the middle of the cooking. Iodine content of salt sample collected revealed that 95.7% contain only 7 ppm iodine and 99.6% of the water sample contains less than 0.1 level iodine in water testing.Conclusions: The results of study indicated that population of district Chamba is using iodised salt but there is still need of strengthening of monitoring system as well as health education regarding the cooking practices in the households.