Determination of Iodine Nutrition and Community Knowledge Regarding Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Selected Tribal Blocks of Orissa, India

To determine the status of iodine nutrition and knowledge of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in selected tribal mountainous blocks of Orissa, India. A community-based survey was performed, adopting the 30-cluster sampling and surveillance methodology for assessment of IDD recommended by WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD. School-age children (6-12 years) and their mothers. Total goitre rate (n=623) and urinary iodine excretion of children (n=530), iodine content in edible salt (n=505) and water (n=21) were measured. Community knowledge regarding IDD and awareness of iodized salt (n 20) was assessed. Total goitre rate was 23.6%, of which visible goiter was 6.9%. Prevalence of goiter increased with age in female and tribal children. Median urinary iodine was 38 Cmicro.Tl(-1) and 51.7% of children had urinary iodine values or =5 ppm). Over 80% of respondents did not have knowledge of IDD and were not aware of salt iodization. Study results show moderate iodine deficiency with poor community knowledge of iodine nutrition. There is need to strengthen the monitoring of salt iodization and intensive education activities in the tribal areas.