Iodine deficiency in children 7-19 years old in Eastern Province of Cameroon

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency in children in Eastern Province, Cameroon. Method: Urinary iodine (I) and thiocyanate (SCN) excretion levels were assessed in 158 children (62 boys and 96 girls) aged 7-19 years. Results: Mean urinary iodine excretion was 4.49 μg/dl for girls and 4.71 μg/dl for boys, lower than the 5.0 μg/dl minimal value defined by WHO. Overall 64.42% of subjects had urinary iodine excretion below the minimum, more than three times the population percentage (20%) at which a zone is declared endemic. Mean urine SCN concentration and mean I/SCN ratios of the study population were 2.57 ± 1.43 mg/dl and 2.21 ± 1.35 μg/mg for boys and 2.91 ± 1.57 mg/dl and 1.91 ± 1.1μg/mg for girls. Conclusion: Iodine deficiency remains a problem in Eastern Province of Cameroon. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.