Objective: To assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among school-going children in Meghalaya.
Methods: Multi-stage 30 cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size (PPS) method was used. Children (age 6-12years) were examined clinically for goiter. Urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was performed by spectrophotometric method. Iodine content in the salt was analyzed using iodized salt test kits.
Results: A total of 195 (7.22%) out of 2700 children had goiter on examination. Goitre prevalence was significantly associated with wasting (P<0.05) and stunting (P <0.001). The median (IQR) UIE level was 150 (108.05 - 189.37) µg/dL. Nineteen (9.74%) children had severe iodine deficiency (UIE<20µg/L). Iodine content was above the recommended level of 15 ppm in 95.9% salt samples. A positive correlation was observed between household salt consumption and UIE levels (r=0.25; P<0.001).
Conclusions: Iodine deficiency disorder is a public health problem in Meghalaya, which needs to be addressed.