Iodine Status after a 3-Year Universal Salt Iodisation in Sarawak, Malaysia

Lim, Kuang Kuay and Jambai Endu, and Chan, Ying Ying and Teh, Chien Huey and Hasimah Ismail, and Lim, Kuang Hock and Kee, Chee Cheong (2015) Iodine Status after a 3-Year Universal Salt Iodisation in Sarawak, Malaysia. International Journal of Public Health Research, 5 (2). pp. 631-636. ISSN 2232-0245

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Official URL: http://www.ijphr.ukm.my/Manuscript/vol 5 no 2 2015...

Abstract

Introduction Following the reveal of borderline iodine sufficiency among the Sarawakians from the 2008 National Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) survey, a mandatory universal salt iodization (USI) was implemented in Sarawak thereafter. This study aimed to determine the current status of USI in Sarawak after a 3-year implementation of USI from 2008 to 2011. Methods The IDD survey was conducted between Jun 2011 to July 2011 involving six districts in Sarawak (Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri). The schools were selected via multistage proportionate-to-population size sampling technique and the children were randomly selected via systematic sampling. A total of 19 schools and 661 children were recruited into the survey. Thyroid size was determined by palpation and was and graded according to the classification of the World Health Organization (grade 0-2). The iodine excretion level in spot morning urine was measured using inhouse microplate method. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) values were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables. Results total of 610 school children were participated in the study (92.3%). The TGR of grade 1 and 2 was found to be 0.3% (n = 2). Overall the median UIC level was 154.2 (IQR, 92.7 - 229.8) μg/L, with the highest median UIC been observed in Sarikei [178.0 (IQR, 117.6 - 308.9) μg/L], followed by Mukah [174.8 (IQR, 99.0 - 224.3) μg/L)], Miri [158.6 (IQR, 92.3 - 235.4) μg/L], Sibu [147.0 (IQR, 89.8 - 221.4) μg/L], Bintulu [142.3 (IQR, 52.8 - 245.1) μg/L] and Kapit [131.0 (IQR, 88.6 - 201.9) μg/L]. One in every ten child was of iodine deficient (UIC < 50μg/L) while a third of the child (32%) were of adequate level of UIC. Conclusion The present findings indicate that the mandatory USI successfully improves the iodine level of children in Sarawak. However, regular and proper monitoring of the UIC level in the communities is needed to prevent excessive iodine intake.

Item Type:Article
Keywords:Universal salt iodization, Iodine deficiency disorders, Total goitre rate, Urinary iodine concentration, Sarawak.
Journal:International Journal of Public Health Research
ID Code:9136
Deposited By: mr Afandi
Deposited On:21 Oct 2015 14:17
Last Modified:14 Dec 2016 06:49

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