Iodine deficiency disorder in high risk area in Beihai in Guangxi autonomous region, 2009

Objective To understand the performance of the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in Beihai, Guangxi and provide evidence for the improvement of IDD prevention and control, reaching the goal of IDD eradication and prevention of the re-emergency of endemic cretinism. Methods A cross sectional survey of IDD was conducted in people by cluster sampling in Tieshangang district in Beihai in 2009. Results In the survey conducting in 43 villages in the district, which covered a population of 163 167, no new cases of endemic cretinism was found. The survey in 240 children aged 8-10 years who were sampled in 6 villages indicated that the thyroid enlargement rate was 3.75%, the median of urine iodine value was 95.30 g/L, those with a urine iodine value less than 20 g/L accounted for 4.20% and the average IQ was 98.70; The survey in 120 households indicated that the coverage rate of iodized salt was 22.50%. and the survey in 60 of 120 households indicated that the median of iodine value in drinking water was 2.90 g/L and the median of urine iodine value in child bearing aged women was 51.90 g/L, those with the urine iodine value less 20 g/L accounted for 16.70%. Conclusion No new cases of endemic cretinism was found in Beihai, but the iodized salt coverage and the urine iodine values in children and child bearing aged women had not met the national IDD eradication standard. It is necessary to strengthen the management of iodized salt and the health education about IDD prevention and treatment.