Assessing the status of iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) and associated factors in Wolaita and Dawro Zones School Adolescents, southern Ethiopia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Iodine deficiency is the major preventable cause of irreversible mental retardation in the world. Ethiopia is a country with high prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders which continue to affect a large number of the country's population. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorder in Wolaita and Dawuro zones.

METHODS:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in high school and preparatory students in Wolaita and Dawuro zones between April and May 2012. Data were collected from 718 school adolescents using pre-tested questionnaire through systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi-info version 3.5.3 and then transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression were done and the cut off value set was P < 0.05 as this is considered as statistically significant.

RESULT:

The overall prevalence (total goiter rate) of goiter in study area was 351 (48.9%). Students with Grade-1 goiter were 265 (36.9%) while with Grade-2 goiter was 86 (11.9%). Females were by a long way vulnerable for goiter and accounts 60.9% with Pearson correlation coefficient 0.300, P value 0.0001. Generally, the occurrence of goiter in the study area was found to have statistical significant association with sex of respondents (being female) [AOR = 3.526; 95% CI (2.55-4.87)], climatic condition of resident (temperate climate) [AOR = 0.617; 95% CI (0.404-0.943)], frequency of iodized salt use [AOR = 0.484; 95% CI (0.317-0.739)] and consumption of cassava [AOR = 4.184; 95% CI (2.6-6.707)].

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION:

In general, the study revealed that iodine deficiency disorder was a serious public health concern. Nearly half of adolescent students in Wolaita and Dawuro zones were affected by goiter. Therefore, emphasis on a sustainable iodine intervention program targeted at population level, particularly at females is mandatory. Nutrition education along with adequate Universal Salt Iodization program is urgently required.

• Authors: Shimelash Bitew Workie, Yemane Gebremariam Abebe, Amha Admasie Gelaye, Tefera Chane Mekonen
• Journal: BMC research notes (BMC Res Notes) Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 156 (Apr 18 2017) ISSN: 1756-0500 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28420409 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Sodium Chloride, Dietary
• iodized salt
• Iodine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Ethiopia (epidemiology)
• Female
• Goiter (diagnosis, epidemiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Iodine (administration & dosage, deficiency)
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Prevalence
• Schools
• Severity of Illness Index
• Sodium Chloride, Dietary (administration & dosage)
• Students
• Young Adult