Status of Iodine Deficiency Among Children in National Capital Territory Of Delhi-A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Iodine deficiency disorder is a public health problem in NCT of Delhi. The present study was conducted in NCT of Delhi to assess the current iodine nutrition status among school age children (6-11 years). Thirty clusters (schools) were selected by utilizing the population proportionate to size (PPS) cluster sampling methodology. A total of 1393 school age children were included. Urine samples were collected and tested for urinary iodine excretion (UIE). The Median UIE was found to be 200 mg/L. The salt samples collected from study subjects revealed that 87% of salt samples had stipulated level of iodine of 15 ppm and more. In order to eliminate IDD, there is a need to sustain the supply of iodized salt and monitor its iodine content regularly. © The Author [2013]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.