Introduction: Uttarakhand (UK) state is a known endemic region for Iodine deficiency.
Objective: To assess iodine nutritional status among adolescent girls in districts: Udham Singh Nagar (USN), Nainital (N) and Pauri (P) of UK state.
Methods: In each district, 30 clusters (schools) were identified by using population proportionate to size cluster sampling. In each school, 60 girls (12-18 years) attending the schools were included. Total of 5430 girls from USN (1823), N (1811) and P (1796) were studied. Clinical examination of thyroid of each girl was conducted. From each cluster, spot urine and salt samples were collected.
Results: Total goiter rate was found to be 6.8% (USN), 8.2% (N) and 5.6% (P). Median urinary iodine concentration levels were 250 μg/l (USN), 200 μg/l (N) and 183 μg/l (P).
Conclusion: Findings of the study documented that adolescent girls had adequate iodine nutritional status in the three districts of UK.
Keywords: goiter; iodine deficiency disorders; salt iodization; urinary iodine concentration.
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