Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency among School Children from New Settlement in Kyrgyzstan

This study assesses the status of iodine deficiency among at risk-children and adolescents living in migrant settlements in the Kyrgyz Republic. Children aged 7-15 years from two regional primary schools in the new settlement regions were screened for cognitive and behavioural signs of iodine deficiency using questionnaires. The functional state of the thyroid gland was assessed using ultrasonography and blood tests. Out of 1058 schoolchildren, 15.8% showed signs of iodine deficiency. Female children aged 10-12 years showed a higher prevalence of iodine deficiency. The families of schoolchildren reported limited use of seafood and iodised salt. Children in the migrant regions were at risk of iodine deficiency disorder. Among children, clinical manifestations of iodine deficiency were observed as negative hormonal levels or the presence of goitre. Further investigation on standardised screening instruments for iodine deficiency and the relationship among multilevel analyses are warranted.