Human Nutrition & Metabolism (Dec 2022)
Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders among pregnant women residing in an urban slum of west Delhi
Abstract
Background & objectives: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) constitute a significant public health problem globally, particularly among pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IDDs among pregnant women during third trimester of pregnancy residing in an urban slum of west Delhi. Methods: This was a community based cross sectional observational study conducted on 178 pregnant women from October 2014 to July 2016. Socio demographic information was collected through questionnaire cum interview method. The presence of iodine deficiency disorders was observed through urinary iodine concentration (UIC), thyroid profile, presence of goiter and level of iodization of household salt samples and analyzed respectively using Spectrophotometer, IMMULITE 1000 analyzer, palpation method and standard iodometric titration method. Results: A total of 59.9% pregnant women had insufficient iodine nutrition with the median UIC 132.5 μg/L and interquartile range (IQR) of 145 μg/L. Grade 1 goitre was detected in 2 participants (1.15%) through palpation method. Inadequate iodine content (<15 ppm) was found in 19.8% household salt samples. Results reported the prevalence of hypothyroidism among 27.9% pregnant women. The mean ± SD values of TSH, T4 and T3 were 2.51 ± 1.19 mIU/L, 11.6 ± 2.38 μg/dl and 170.7 ± 41.5 ng/dl respectively. Conclusions: High prevalence of iodine deficiency reflecting low iodine intake along with prevalence of hypothyroidism was recognized among pregnant women residing in slum area of Delhi.
