ABSTRACT
Introduction: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) has beenrecognized as a public health problem in India Enlargementof thyroid gland is the common manifestation of the IDDand goiter prevalence survey is used as diagnostic tool foridentifying areas of IDD. Failure to undertake early detectionand intervention measure results in secondary disablingconditions. Aim: In the present study we have estimated theprevalence of goiter in the age group of 6-12 years in districtBandipura of Jammu and Kashmir state, India and haveassessed type of salt consumed by the population.Material and Methods: This was a Cross-sectional studyconducted in Bandipura district of J and K state and the studywas conducted between July 2018 to October 2018. Samplingmethod was Gender stratified cluster sampling technique andthe sample size was based on a goiter prevalence of 30% and95% confidence interval. 30 clusters were selected and eachcluster included 90 children. Data was entered in Microsoftexcel and then analyzed using appropriate statistical software.Data was interpreted using percentages, means and SD.Results: The prevalence of grade 1 and grade 2 goitre inmales was 35.6% and 15.1% respectively whereas it was30.8% and 15.1% in females and the prevalence was morein males to the extent of 52.08% and in girls it was 49.23%.Goitre was found to be highest (51.7%) in subjects 12 yearsof age and lowest (40.6%) in subjects aged 7 years of age.There was a significantly higher goitre prevalence in childrenwho consumed crystalline/non-iodised salt than in childrenconsuming iodised salt. The TGR was 61.4% and 46.9% inchildren consuming non-iodised and iodised salt respectivelyConclusion: We conclude our study with the finding thatpopulation of Bandipura district in the north Kashmir isseverely iodine deficient. We recommended a major thrustin the implementation of NIDDCP in the said district withregular and continuous monitoring of iodine status.