Iodine nutritional status of children and pregnant women in 37 coastal counties (cities and districts) of Shandong Province in 2021 / 中华地方病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To learn about the prevalence of iodized salt in coastal counties (cities and districts, hereinafter referred to as counties) of Shandong Province, evaluate the iodine nutritional status of children and pregnant women, so as to provide data support for timely targeted prevention and control measures and scientific adjustment of intervention strategies.Methods:In 2021, in 37 coastal counties of Shandong Province, one township was selected from each of the five directions of the east, west, south, north, and middle of each county, one primary school was selected from each township, 40 non-boarding students aged 6 - 12 years old were selected from each primary school. In addition, 20 pregnant women were selected from each township. Children's and pregnant women's household salt samples and urine samples were collected to detect salt iodine and urinary iodine contents. The children from 19 counties selected from the 37 coastal counties of Shandong Province were examined by B-mode ultrasound, and the goiter rate of children was calculated.Results:Totally 7 736 household edible salt samples from the children were tested, and the coverage rate of iodized salt, iodized salt qualified rate and qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 74.3% (5 746/7 736), 74.3% (4 267/5 746) and 55.2% (4 267/7 736), respectively. A total of 7 740 urine samples were collected from the children, the median urinary iodine was 174.0 μg/L. A total of 4 344 children were selected for thyroid examination, and the goiter rate was 3.0% (131/4 344). Totally 4 513 household edible salt samples from the pregnant women were tested, and the coverage rate of iodized salt, iodized salt qualified rate and qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 83.7% (3 779/4 513), 77.6% (2 933/3 779) and 65.0% (2 933/4 513), respectively. A total of 7 740 urine samples were collected from the pregnant women, the median urinary iodine was 133.5 μg/L.Conclusions:Children in 37 coastal counties of Shandong Province are generally at the appropriate level of iodine, but pregnant women still have the risk of iodine deficiency. Comprehensive prevention and control measures for iodine deficiency disorders need to be continuously implemented to consolidate and deepen the achievements of iodine deficiency prevention and control.