A Community Based Survey on Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency among Pregnant Women in a Municipality Area of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Introduction: In India, an estimated 200 million people were at risk for iodine deficiency disorders. Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is one of the most challenging nutritional problems in India. The pregnant women and their neonates are most vulnerable target groups of iodine deficiency disorder. Aim: To assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency among pregnant women and to find out any association between urinary iodine excretion level of pregnant women and prevalence of low birth weight among newborn babies, if any. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a block primary health centre of South 24 Paraganas West Bengal, among 1139 pregnant women admitted for delivery. Urinary iodine was measured by FAST B method. Results: Out of all, 36.69% of the pregnant women were found to have inadequate urinary iodine concentration and there was significant association between maternal insufficient urinary iodine concentration and low birth weight of their babies. Conclusion: As 24 Paraganas district is an iodinereplete area, about one third of the pregnant study population had inadequate urinary iodine excretion (<150µg/litre). There was significant association between the urinary iodine excretion and low birth weights of their babies. In conclusion, iodine supplementation through salt iodination programme should be strengthened.

Keywords

• goitre
• low birth weight
• urinary iodine concentration