Assessment Of Iodine Status Of School Children, Pregnant And Lactating Women In Mufindi And Kilosa Districts, Tanzania

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.