Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess iodine status of school-aged children, pregnant,
lactating and normal women in Rungemba, Kitelewasi, Kinyanambo and Berega
villages. Data were collected by using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Urine
and salt samples were collected and analyzed to determine iodine concentrations.
Anthropometric measurements including weight and height and records of age, sex
and gestation age for the pregnant women were also taken. Data were analysed by
using EPI info and SPSS statistical package for window programs. Results showed
that, the median urinary iodine concentration for schoolchildren were 132.7 μg/L
(boys) and 96.3 μg/L (girls). For pregnant, lactating and normal women, median
iodine concentrations were 188.6, 155.7 and 258.4 μg/L, respectively. More than
80% (n = 135) of salt samples collected from the households had iodine
concentration levels in the range of 20-50 ppm, while 15.6% (n = 135) had iodine
concentrations below 20 ppm. This implied that, iodine concentration in most of the
salt samples was adequate. Results also revealed that, 30.9% (n = 144) of schoolboys
and 32.3% (n = 127) of schoolgirls had normal weight for age while 4.2% (n = 144)
of schoolboys and 4.7% (n = 127 of schoolgirls were severely underweight. Majority
97.3% (n = 144) of schoolboys and 96.9% (n = 127) of schoolgirls had normal
weight for height. Likewise, 4.3% (n = 139) of pregnant, 41 % (n = 139) of lactating
and 22.3% (n = 139) normal women had BMI within the normal range (18.5 - 24.99)
while 0.7% (n = 139) of pregnant, 12% of lactating, and 8% of normal women were
overweight. Nutrition education on effects of iodine deficiency disorders and quality
control of iodine levels in salt at district and local levels is important to ensure that
adequate iodine is reaching the people.
