prevalence of endemic goitre among schoolchildren and adolescents in Gizan, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

To study the prevalence of endemic goitre in Gizan, Saudi Arabia. Prospective, field study Primary, intermediate and secondary schools in Gizan, Saudi Arabia. Schoolchildren and adolescents in Gizan schools. Clinical assessment, goitre and urinary iodide measurement. We examined 4445 schoolchildren and adolescents; 2632 were males [59.2%] and 1813 [40.8%] were females. The overall prevalence of goitre was 2.2% [97 cases]. In 1324 students [78.8%], the iodide excretion was more than 100/micro g/l. In 310 students, the excretion was 50-I00 micro g/l. In 42 students the excretion was between 25-50 micro g/1. Goitre does not appear to be endemic in the Gizan region. However, some areas may be at risk of iodine deficiency