Performance Evaluation of Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program in Chikmagalur District: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Survey

BACKGROUND: Routine evaluation of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) is done through a national program called National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP). The aim of this study is to determine the goiter prevalence, to estimate salt Iodine and urinary Iodine levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2700 school children across seven taluks of Chikmagalur. A total of 2700 children aged 6 to 12 years were selected from 30 clusters by multistage sampling method. The iodometric titration method and Sandell–Kolthoff method were used for the estimation of salt and urinary Iodine, respectively. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of goiter was 13.0%. About 153 (28.3%) salt samples had inadequate iodine content (<15 ppm). Median Urinary Iodine Excretion was 126 μg/L. CONCLUSION: Chikmagalur district is still at risk of a significant public health problem which needs timely interventions and appropriate measures to prevent further consequences due to IDDs.