Prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among schoolchildren in three blocks of Bardhaman District and Bardhaman Municipal area of West Bengal, India: a comparative study

Urinary iodine levels in children (6-12 years) living in three rural blocks and in the municipal urban area of Bardhaman District, West Bengal, were analyzed to compare the status of recent iodine nutrition in the rural and urban population of the district. Goiter, indicating previous iodine status, was simultaneously estimated. Iodine levels in salt samples, that provide insight into the usage of iodized salt, were estimated. Data indicated that 56.6% of urban children and 51.1% of rural children were biochemically iodine repleted and had urinary iodine excretion (UIE) levels > or = 10microg/dl. Urban children (29.4%) and rural children (37.1%) were found to have goiter. Eighty percent and 50% of the rural and urban salt samples, respectively, were found to have iodine levels below 10 ppm; with significant urban-rural differences. The results indicate that iodine repletion in the surveyed area needs continuous surveillance of the proper distribution and use of iodized salt.