Prevalence and Predictors of Goiter Among 6–12 years Old Children in Eastern Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the collective name of endemic goiter and endemic cretinism. Goiter is the main preventable major public health problem worldwide during pregnancy and childhood in an environment where iodine is deficient. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate and associated factors of goiter among 6–12 years old children in eastern Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. We used community-based cross-sectional survey. The study population consisted of 6–12 years old children in Astbi town, eastern Tigray, Ethiopia during March 2013 to May 2013. We recruited 341 households, in which eligible children aged 6–12 years, resided. The households were selected by using systematic sampling technique. Data collectors collected data using pretested structured questionnaire, urinary iodine excretion and clinical assessment. The data were entered into Epi info 3.5.3 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify the respective effect of independent predictors on goiter presence. The urinary iodine excretion levels were analyzed using the wet digestion method, and the degree of association was assessed by using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval, which was computed to find the presence and strength of association. The overall prevalence of goiter was 6.7% for participants in the study and it was grade 1 goiter. Goiter was higher among females (4.4%) than males, despite the fact that it was statistically insignificant in the studied population. About 2.1% of the children had a severe iodine deficiency with urinary iodine excretion level of < 20 μg/l and excessive iodine intake (17.5%). Family income (Adjusted OR=3.1; 95% CI: 1.171–7.883), sex (AOR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.784–5.211), family size (AOR= 4.1; 95% CI: 1.637–10.482) and frequency of cabbage taking (AOR 1.9 (1.782–5.311) were predictors associated with goiter. However, age of the respondents was not significantly associated. This study showed that goiter is a public health problem in the town. It was found to be more prevalent among females than males. Hence, sustainable universal salt iodization and skill-based health education program need to be strengthened.

Keywords: Goiter, children, prevalence, factors, Atsibi

Cite this Article

Futwi N, Alemayehu M, Kalkarin U, et al. Prevalence and Predictors of Goiter Among 6–12 years Old Children in Eastern Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Research and Reviews: Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2017; 6(2): 52–60p.