Goiter survey and urinary iodine concentration in 7-10-year-old children, Semnan Province, 2001

Iodine deficiency disorder, (IDD), is a worldwide health problem. Parts of Iran, such as Semnan, are known as endemic areas for goiter. IDD was accepted as a priority health problem in our country and a National IDD Council was formed in 1989. This study was performed to evaluate the implementation of the National IDD Council program in 2001 among 7-10-year-old children in Semnan province.

In this cross sectional study, 1200 children, (M/F ratio=1), aged 7-10 years, were selected and grading of goiter was performed in accordance to the WHO criteria. Urinary samples were obtained from 120 children and urinary iodine was measured using digestion method.

Total prevalence of goiter was 17% (16.3% in girls and 17.7% in boys). The median urinary iodine was 13.7µg/dl. 73.2% had a urinary iodine of more than 10µg/dl, while 10.8% had urinary iodine levels of <5µg/dl. None of the candidates had urinary iodine levels less the 2µg/dl. There was no significant difference between the two sexes and urban or rural areas.

There has been a significant decline in the prevalence of goiter among children in Semnan province. In addition, urinary iodine concentration of children has reached rates approved by the WHO. Semnan province can now be classified as one of the "iodine-deficiency-free" areas in Iran.