Abstract
Nutritional status is the major factor that can affect academic performance of school children. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between iodine deficiency disorder and academic performance among school age children. Both community & school based cross sectional survey was conducted from October 1-30, 2010. A total of 1254 students, aged 6-12 years, were selected from five primary schools using systematic random sampling method. Goiter examinations and urine iodine test was done to diagnose goiter. Spot urine samples were collected to determine median urinary iodine level and anthropometric measurements were done. In this study, 1,254 children were included; 674 (53.7%) were males. Average academic score of students for both sexes was 71.13%. Majority of students 349 (71.2%) who had goiter scored below average (p=0.01). High median urinary iodine level [AOR=0.38; 95% CI (0.190,0.489)]; high height-for-age z-score [AOR=5.023; 95% CI (3.317,7.607)]; and high weight-for-age z-score [AOR=3.214; 95% CI (2.091,4.941]) were significantly associated with good school performance. Iodine deficiency disorder is a significant health problem among schoolchildren in the study area. Strengthening salt iodization program is a preventive measure.
Highlights
Iodine is an essential micronutrient for the regulation of physical growth and neural development
More than two billion people are estimated to be at risk of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) and 260 million people in Africa are at risk and 150,000 are affected by goiter
The most recent national survey of IDD conducted by Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI, 2005) indicated that a high prevalence of goiter rate as nearly as 40% in school age children and 36% in mothers [2]
Summary
Iodine is an essential micronutrient for the regulation of physical growth and neural development. Insufficient iodine level in the blood leads to poor production of thyroid hormones. The most visible effect of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is goiter, resulting from either low iodine intake or ingestion of goitrogens [1]. More than two billion people are estimated to be at risk of IDD and 260 million people in Africa are at risk and 150,000 are affected by goiter. Iodine deficiency in the soil affects all forms of plant life and crops grown on iodine depleted soil will have low iodine content. Populations who rely on subsistence agriculture are more likely to be exposed to iodine deficiency if the soil’s iodine content is low [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
