Epidemiology of goitre in Sri Lanka in the post-iodization era.

INTRODUCTION 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. METHODS 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. RESULTS 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). CONCLUSIONS There was no identifiable goitre belt.There were pockets of high prevalence in all zones. Goitre remains a public health issue despite universal iodization.