Tracking progress towards sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders in Bihar.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the status of the iodine deficiency in the population of Bihar and track progress of the elimination efforts. METHODS: A community based field survey was conducted. Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, data was collected by following internationally recommended protocol and methodology. Thirty clusters were selected using population proportionate to size technique. School age children (6 to 12 years) were the target group studied. Urinary iodine in target children and iodine content of salt at households were the indicators used. RESULTS: Total of 1169 children were studied. The median urinary iodine concentration was found to be 85.6 microg/L. Urinary iodine concentration was less than 50 microg/L in 31.5% of the subjects. Only 40.1% of the household salt samples were found to be adequately iodised as determined by titration method (> or =15 ppm iodine). CONCLUSIONS: Study results show existence of iodine deficiency in the state. There is need to accelerate our efforts to achieve iodine sufficiency and this should be done on a war-footing.