Prevalence study of goiter in 6-10 year old girls of Shiraz,1995

  In this cross-sectional study, 1975 school girls age 6-10 were selected randomly by proportionate multi-stage cluster sampling method. Subjects underwent clinical examination for presence of Goiter. Clinical examination and classification of Goiter were made according to world health organization standard. Prevalence rate of Goiter in girls was 64.3 percent. Age specific prevalence rate of Goiter ( all grades) was highest (96℅) among 7 and 9 years old and lowest (53℅) among 8. Age specific prevalence rate of Goiter grades (1b and 2) was highest (℅54.6) ,at 9 years of age and lowest (38℅) at 8. Prevalence rates specific for different districts were compared, which was higher in districts with lower economic status. Girls whose fathers were illiterate had a significantly higher prevalence rate of Goiter (60.7℅), in comparison  with girls whose fathers had university educations 34.3℅ (  p<0.001). A similar situation was observed with mother,s education. Girls whose mothers were illiterate had a prevalence rate of 71℅ while in girls whose mothers had university education was 55℅ . To measure inter observer reliability a random sample of subjects were reexamined by an endocrinologist, which showed 93.75℅ agreement between the two examiner.