Monitoring the Current Status of Lodina Deficiency Disorders and the Quality of lodized Salt in New Valley Governorate

EI-Sayed, Nawal; Abou Zeid, Hamdy M.; Nofal, Laila H.; Ismail, Hanaa M.; Mahfouz, Ahmed AR.; Abdel Halim, Zeinab

doi:10.21608/jhiph.1999.416850

Monitoring the Current Status of Lodina Deficiency Disorders and the Quality of lodized Salt in New Valley Governorate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Nutrition Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

² Family Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

³ Biostatistics Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

⁴ Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandra University, Egypt

⁵ Food Control and Safety Department, Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt

10.21608/jhiph.1999.416850

Abstract

lodine deficiency disorders [IDD] are the world's single most significant cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of salt iodization program on the situation of IDD among school children in New Valley governorate and to assess the percent coverage and the quality of iodized salt used. A two stage cluster sampling technique was used. A total sample size of 600 school children were screened for IDD representing the three districts [oases] of New Valley [EL- Dakhla, EL- Kharga, and EL- Farafra]. Goiter prevalence was assessed using the two indicators, clinical examination of the thyroid gland and determination of urinary iodine excretion. Overall, the prevalence rate of goiter was 57.5%. The highest prevalence was estimated in Farafra[67.5%] followed by Dakhla[61.6%] and then Kharga [50.4%]. Prevalence was slightly higher in rural [57.8%] than urban [56.4%] areas. Sex has little effect on goiter prevalence [57% in males and 58% in females]. Salt situational analysis revealed that about three quarters (74.5%] of salt used in households was iodized and only 56.2% was adequately iodized. lodization programme caused a significant improvement in indicators of goiter prevalence. Total goiter rate TGR decreased significantly from 82.3% [prevalence rate in 1993 study] to 57.5% in the present study. Prevalence of IDD by urinary iodine indicator dropped significantly from 58.3% in 1993 to 34.3% in the present study. Total median urinary iodine increased from 8.9ug/dl in 1993 to 11.7 ug/d in the present study. Although a significant improvement occurred in the prevalence of goiter, IDD is still prevalent in New Valley. The implemented salt iodization programme is existent but needs strengthening and substantial modification.

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