Abstract
Previous studies of goitre in Sri Lanka proposed the presence of a goitre belt, which was refuted subsequently. Epidemiology of goitre in the post iodization era needs re-evaluation. Objectives To describe the epidemiology of goitre in Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in designated zones except in conflict areas in 2006/2007. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used and patients were evaluated clinically, biochemically and cytologically. Among 5200 participans 426 had goitre. Mean age was 36.3 (SD 17.3) years. Goitre was commonest in the age group 40-49 years with a female pre-ponderance. The prevalence was similar in all zones with pockets of high prevalence in each zone. Overall islandwide adjusted prevalence was 6.8% (95% CI = 6.0-7.6). There was no identifiable goitre belt.There were pockets of high prevalence in all zones. Goitre remains a public health issue despite universal iodization.
Highlights
Introduction Previous studies of goitre inSri Lanka proposed the presence of a goitre belt, which was refuted subsequently
The prevalence was similar in all zones with pockets of high prevalence in each zone
An islandwide study on the epidemiology of goitre was done to determine the epidemiology in the post-iodization era
Summary
Sri Lanka proposed the presence of a goitre belt, which was refuted subsequently. Goitre is endemic in Sri Lanka [2]. It was first described by Bennet in 1849 in the coastal regions [3]. Goitre was identified as a public health problem in Sri Lanka, following a detailed study [4]. Leaching of iodine from soil due to heavy rain fall was suggested as the possible cause. Changes from this pattern was noted, where areas of high prevalence of goitre ranging from 6% to 30% were described [2]. Subsequent studies have shown a change in prevalence, but none of these studies
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