Prevalence of Goiter in School Age Children (6-12 years) in a Rural District (Bandipura) of Kashmir Valley

Background: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) has been recognized as a public health problem in India. Surveys conducted in various states show that no state in the country is free from IDD. Since the program of Salt Iodization has been in progress for many decades, it is imperative to carry out Goiter surveys in the community on periodic basis to see the impact. The current study is part of a survey sponsored by the Government of India in the of Kashmir valley. Methods: School children in the age 6-12 years were surveyed for thyroid enlargement by clinical examination. Subjects were selected using the 30-cluster technique. Goiter was graded as per the classification given by WHO/ICCIDD/UNICEF Results: The overall prevalence of Goiter was 48.3%, the prevalence of Goiter was 45.9% in females and 50.7% in males. The Grade I goiter was found to be more common in males as compared to females even though the prevalence of Grade II goiter was same in two groups. Conclusions: We conclude from the study that population of Bandipura district in north Kashmir is severely iodine deficient (TGR more than 30%). A major thrust in the implementation of NIDDCP in the said district with regular and continuous monitoring of iodine status is urgently needed.