Assessment of Iodine Deficiency in Sao Tome e Principe Children

Serafim, Angela; Martins-Ferreira, Ana; Serafim, P.; Pedro, Paulo; Rodrigues, Celia; Coutinho, Miguel; Figueiredo, Teresa

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/14458

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Authors

Serafim, Angela

Martins-Ferreira, Ana

Abstract(s)

Introduction: Iodine deficiency still constitutes one of the major public health problems in the world, having a serious social and economic impact. This global problem involves about 130 countries, including Sao Tome and Principe (STP). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of iodine deficiency in male children within different host institutions of STP. Material and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample (for convenience) of 116 children. Children were aged from 6 to 17 years, with an overall mean age of 11.1 +/- 3.2 years. Iodine intake was evaluated in 6 districts of STP, through two indirect indices: (i) urine iodine (UI) determinations (ii) prevalence of goiter evaluated by cervical ultrasound. Results: The global median UI value was 109 mu g/L (P20: 78.2 mu g/Land P80: 140.3 mu g/L), with 16.4% of children <50 mu g/L and 40.5% <100 mu g/L. Considering children aged 6 - 12 years, 15.6% showed U1 <50 mu g / L, while in group aged 13-17 years this percentage increased to 17.9%. These values fulfill WHO criteria of sufficient region in iodine. On the other hand, the goiter prevalence against age was 29.7% and against Body Surface Area (BSA) was 44.6%, which is much higher than the cut-off established by the WHO (5%). Conclusion: The iodine deficiency and endemic goiter in STP are currently a public health problem. Therefore, it will be necessary to ensure that the interventions carried out are efficiently monitored, in order to eradicate endemic goiter, without risks of hyperthyroidism.