ABSTRACT
Introduction: Iodine deficiency is one of the most neglected and wide spread of all nutritional deficiencies, constituting a real brake on human development. Deficiency of iodine may result in development of goitre and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). Objective: To assess the status of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in school children. Methods: This study was conducted among school children of 1st to 5th standard (6–12 yrs.) from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2013. A total of 950 students of seven schools were included in the study using proportionate to population size (PPS) method. Each child was examined clinically. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Result. Age distribution of the study population shows that majority of the students (30.5%) belonged to 11-12 years, and most of the students (56.2%) were males. Only 17 (1.8%) students had goitre. Goitre prevalence was slightly higher (1.9%) in the 6-8 years age group and in females (1.9%). Manifestations of iodine deficiency other than goitre, were retarded growth (0.6%), squint (0.3%), deafness (0.2%), lethargy (0.5%), and mental retardation (0.1%). Conclusion. In the present study, Aligarh may be classified as non-endemic for iodine deficiency as the goitre prevalence in school children was only 1.8%, below the 5.0%, required for endemicity. Sustained IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities should be carried out to sensitize the people regarding IDD.
ABSTRACT
To determine and develop rapid on-site testing of iodine in salt and water samples and its use as field methods for monitoring and evaluation of the Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) program. Methods: In order to monitor iodine in salt, the single bottle technique is recommended, utilizing SHMP (May & Baker), tapioca flour, KI and sodium azide. Secondly, to monitor iodine in water, the double bottle technique is employed and this utilizes 3N HCl as a substitute for SHMP to acidify flour, KI and sodium azide. Results: In salt, it is not positive until the colour starts to change from brown to black. In water, when it is positive reaching beyond an optimum level at 100-200 mg of iodine per litre, the colour starts to appear as faint blue and becomes darker blue as concentration of iodine increased. Discussion: Statistically, Spearman rank correlation co-efficient and the prediction method showed approximation of the two methods in estimation of iodine levels, indicating the interchangeability of the eyesight and it can be used in screening in place of the spectrophotometer. Conclusion: These techniques are cheap, simple and effective. This allows the monitoring kit to be beneficial and easy to use. These methods are ordinary and natural, and thus, in harmory with Thai culture and customs.