ABSTRACT
In Sudan iodine deficiency disorders [IDD]. is a major public health problem and the current situation is alarming for all parts of the country where nationwide surveys and pilot studies have been conducted. The rates for goitre prevalence call for immediate intervention. The major objective of this study is to assess the iodine deficiency situation in Al Haj Yousif area-Alkhartoum Bahri - Sudan. The study was designed to have a precise epidemiological information of iodine deficiency disorders[IDD]. Indicators include goiter prevalence and urinary iodine excretion. A cross sectional community - based field study was conducted during June, July 2007, in five zones of Al Haj Yousif area using a multistage random sampling technique. The sample population was selected by house to house visits. One hundred households [average members per house of 7+2] were selected, covering 300 children[age 6-12 years] as subjects for goitre examination, and a sub-sample of 50 children [16.7%] were chosen at random for urinary iodine level assessment. The result of goitre examination revealed that the prevalence rate of goitre was [23.3%].It was significantly higher in females [26.7%] than males [20.13%]. Overall median urinary iodine [UI] was 5.0 microg/dl. For non-goitrous children it was 6.4 microg/dl and 2.35 microg/dl for grade 1 and grade 2 goitres respectively. The study findings suggest that significant efforts are needed towards achieving the goal of raising the 1DD awareness as well IDD elimination. This includes distribution of iodine capsules as a short term strategy and iodized salt as a long term strategy