Current Pediatric Research

Background: A goiter prevalence of 5% or more in school age children is an indication of iodine deficiency in a population. So, school age children can be used to determine the severity of iodine deficiency in the population since they are easily susceptible to iodine deficiency. The study aimed to assess the epidemiology of goiter and associated factors among school aged children in Leku town, Southern Ethiopia. Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was employed from July 15-30/2017. A total of 358 children were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data on school age children were collected from their mothers/caretakers using a pre-tested and interviewer administered structured questionnaire. The presence or absence of goiter was confirmed by physical examination using world health organization guide line. Logistic regression was carried out using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: The overall magnitude of goiter among school age children was 35.2% (CI: 30.4- 40.5%). Maternal education (AOR=2.50, CI: 1.37, 4.57), family monthly income (AOR=2.19, CI=1.09, 4.36), type of salt used (AOR=2.66, CI: 1.15, 6.17), timing of adding salt into food (AOR=2.20, CI: 1.27, 3.82) and using cassava as a food (AOR=2.19, CI: 1.30, 3.68) were identified predictors of goiter. Conclusion: The observed magnitude of goiter is considered as a public health problem in the study area. Women education, adding salt after cooking food, ensuring iodized salt consumption and increasing public awareness on consequences of goiter need to be given emphasis.

Author(s): Desalegn Tsegaw Hibstu, Dawit Jember Tesfaye

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