Iodine deficiency disorders in Bargarh District of Western Orissa.

During 1996-99 a district level survey was conducted in the Bargarh district of western Orissa India to measure the level of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) among school-aged children. Using outcome indicators like total goiter rate (TGR) and urinary iodine excretion (UIE) this study covered the primary schools in the Gram Panchayats block examining a total of 3088 children. Overall the findings indicate mild degree of IDD as per the TGR and severe as per the UIE level the latter depicting the existing status of iodine nutrition in children. It is noted that there is very low iodized salt consumption in this area. This is due to the lack of awareness among the public about the benefits of iodized salt and its poor availability in the area. Hence it is recommended that the district should be monitored for assessing the public access of iodized salt and public awareness about its regular use. This could be implemented by strengthening the information education and communication campaign ensuring iodized salt availability and evaluating its benefit at regular intervals.