RESUMO
To determine the serum selenium concentration among prisoners in the central jail of Mashhad, Northeast of Iran. In a cross-section study, a sample of 435 prisoners [387 men [34.5 +/- 10 years] and 48 women [36.4 +/- 11 years]] recruited during May 2008 to June 2008 from Mashhad Central Prison, Mashhad, Iran, using multistage sampling method, proportionate to gender, age groups and kind of crime. Serum level of selenium was assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean of serum selenium concentration was 121 +/- 20 micro g/l. Prevalence of selenium deficiency was 9.7% in selected sample. The selenium deficiency was more prevalent in women than men [25.5% versus 7.8%, p=0.00]. Age distribution of serum selenium level had a different pattern among men and women. While in men serum selenium level on average was least in those aged 50 and over, in women, serum selenium did not change with age. Body mass index [BMI] and weight change had no relations. Results of this study suggest that selenium status of the prisoners in Mashhad central prison is of concern. Women may be at higher risk for selenium deficiency. These results have implications for officials in charge with prisoners and health policy makers