Iodine status in pregnant women and school children of the Aira district in Ethiopia

Abstract

Iodine deficiency is a public health problem in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to investigate the iodine status of pregnant women and school children of Aira district, west Ethiopia. A school-based survey of children and a clinic-based assessment that focused on pregnant women were conducted from May to June 2014. Spot urine and salt samples were collected and their iodine concentrations determined by an ammonium persulfate test and titration, respectively. Qualitative information was obtained by focus group discussions and individual interviews. The median urinary iodine excretion found in school children (n = 73) and pregnant women (n = 40) were 70.5 μg/l (95% CI, 48.1 μg/l–83.8 μg/l) and 88.6 μg/l (95% CI, 66.9 μg/l–113.5 μg/l), respectively. About 72.6% of the school children and 80% of the pregnant women had insufficient iodine intake. 67% of household salt samples (n = 46) contained iodine ˂15 ppm. In addition to its health consequences, iodine deficiency has negative social impacts. A deformed physical appearance (with clinical signs of goitre) entails psychological tensions, and is also considered to reduce chances for marriage. Iodine levels both in urine and salt samples indicated that the majority of school children and pregnant women from this study were at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Thus, raising awareness about the nutritional importance of iodized salt and its proper packaging with sealed containers which reduce iodine loss should be promoted.

Keywords

• Ammonium persulfate test
• Iodine deficiency
• Iodine deficiency disorder
• Iodized salt
• Titration
• Urinary iodine excretion