Environmental Iodine Deficiency and Goiter Prevalence in A Block Area of The North Eastern Region: A Retrospective Analysis

A study was conducted in a Community Development Block area, a valley between the offshoots of the Chilarai Hills, situated at a distance of 45 Km from Guwahati city. Eight villages were selected in the block for the study and family members of every 4 family of each village was interviewed and clinically examined for goiter. Total numbers of individuals examined were 1424. Overall goiter prevalence (TGR=Total goiter rate) was 33.84% of which visible goiter rate was 5.82% (WHO 1979 and PAHO 1984 classification). Age prevalence of the goiter was highest in 14-<19years with female preponderance. Single case each of Cretinism, Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism showing correlation with the results of circulatory thyroid hormone was detected in the target population. 97.3% of the head of the families were not aware of salt iodisation. Majority (91.49%) of the head of the families did not consider goiter as a health problem. Mean urinary iodine excretion level was 48.03 microgram/g of Creatinine in the sampled population. Average water iodine level in the study area was 0.745 microgram/L of drinking water. Mean iodine content of soil in the study area was 1 ppm. Assessment of current iodine nutrition status of the population is essential to know the effective implementation of salt iodisation in the locality.