Iodine deficiency disorders in 6-12 years old rural primary school children in Kutch district, Gujarat.

OBJECTIVE To compare prevalence of goitre in primary school children; to determine median urinary iodine concentration in children; and, to assess level of salt iodization at retail trader level. DESIGN 30 cluster survey study. SETTINGS Primary schools of Kutch district, Gujarat, India. METHODS Total 70 students including five boys and five girls from 1st to 7th standard, present in class on the day of visit were selected randomly for Goitre examination (n=2100). Urine sample was collected from one boy and one girl from each standard in each cluster. From the community, 28 children, including two boys and two girls from each standard in the same age group were examined, and salt samples were tested from their households. From each village, one retail shop was visited and various salts available were purchased and tested for iodine on the spot with spot kit. RESULTS Goitre prevalence of 11.2% was found among primary school children (grade 1- 8.6% and grade 2-2.6%). As the age increased, the Goitre prevalence also increased except in age group of 8 years. Median urinary iodine excretion level was 110 µg/L. Iodine level more than 15 ppm was found in 92.3% salts samples tested at the household level. CONCLUSION Present study showed mild goitre prevalence in primary school children in Kutch district of Gujarat.