Knowledge; Attitudes and Practices Regarding Iodine among Patients with Hyperthyroidism in the Free State; South Africa

Objectives: To gather baseline information on the knowledge; attitudes and practices regarding iodine and iodised salt among patients with hyperthyroidism in the Free State. Subjects and Setting: The study was part of a large cohort study that included the first 96 patients aged 13 years or older diagnosed withhyperthyroidism and referred to Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein; South Africa during 2005. Methods: The patients were interviewed in their language using a structured validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The majority of the patients (86.9) did not know what iodine was. Similarly; a higher percentage of patients (76.7) were unaware of the most important or main source of iodine in the food of South Africans. Regarding knowledge of the most important harmful effect on the health of children if they did not get enough iodine; almost all of the patients (89.1) did not know what it was. Ninety-five per cent of salt was obtained from the local shops; and only 36.1of the patients read the labelling on the package during purchase. A very small proportion of patients (1.6) stored salt in closed containers and away from sunlight; while about half of them (49.2) stored salt in open containers without lids; 36.1stored it in rigid plastic containers with holes at the top; and 13.1stored it in the open plastic bags in which the salt was bought. Conclusions: Patients with hyperthyroidism lacked knowledge of iodine; as well as of the storage of iodised salt; and this could have contributed to the persisting endemic goitre reported in previous studies. An aggressive awareness programme; targeting policy makers and the public; is recommended to ensure sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders in South Africa

Nutritional Status of Disabled Schoolchildren in Bloemfontein (2002 - 2003)

Objectives. To assess the nutritional status of disabled schoolchildren using anthropometric measures and dietary intake; and to compare estimated energy expenditure with energy intake and body weight.Design. A descriptive; cross-sectional survey was undertaken.Setting. The study was conducted at three Bloemfontein schools for disabled children (Tswellang: physically disabled; Pholoho: mentally disabled; Martie du Plessis: both mentally and physically disabled).Subjects. Subjects included a random selection of 145 boys and girls aged 8 - 15 years.Outcome measures. Standard methods were used to determine height; demi-span; knee-height; weight; midupper arm circumference and triceps skinfolds. A 24-hour recall combined with a food frequency questionnaire and 7-day weighed food record were used to determine usual dietary intake of day scholars and hostel scholars respectively. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was calculated for each child using Shofield equations. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was calculated by multiplying the appropriate physical activity level (PAL) factor by REE. Results. The high prevalence of stunting (weight-for-height -2 standard deviations (SD)) (Tswellang 47.7; Pholoho 37.3); and underweight (weight-for-age -2 SD) (Tswellang 29.8; Pholoho 18.7) was a matter of concern. Although median energy intake was slightly lower than the recommended intakes; median protein intake tended to be adequate; while micronutrient intake was low. Median energy intake determined by the 24-hour recall tended to be lower (Pholoho -769 kJ) or nearly the same (Tswellang 327 kJ) as the calculated TEE (PAL1.2 - 1.8).Conclusion. Nutrient density and texture of the children's diet should be monitored to improve nutritional status. In future studies more accurate methods should be used to determine energy intake and expenditure