Assessing the Elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorder in Al ShaabiahBahri/ Khartoum State/ Sudan 2013

The major objective of this study has been to assess the iodine deficiency situation in, Shaabiah area? Khartoum Bahri / Sudan the study is designed to have precise epidemiological information of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). The indicators include goiter prevalence, and study of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of students (aged 14 ? 19 years) concerning IDD and the current iodized salt situation. During the survey a campaign was carried to raise the awareness level about (IDD), their prevention and control. A cross sectional School-based study was conducted during December, 2013, for a sample of 165 students aged 14-19 years, 79 males and 86 females were selected from (Omer Bin Abdul Aziz and Bahri Al Gadema schools) respectively, out of three hundred and thirty students. The study revealed that the goiter rate in Al Shaabia Schools is 21.2%, IDD affected both sexes; 26.7% of females were affected, versus 15.2% of the males. The Goiter rate in this study is of moderate severity which indicates that still there is IDD problem in this area. The prevalence was higher in females than males 1:1.83. Grade 1 was the most prevalent form of thyroid enlargement (18.2%). Approximately 24% of the students didn?t know what iodine is; also no one knew the daily amount of iodine needed. Wrong concepts were noticed during interviews about the iodized salt, some of them thought that iodine may cause renal problems or sterility. In the focused group discussions; the majority of the students answered by saying iodine exist in sea food, milk and green vegetables, their knowledge about complications of IDD was poor The usage of non-iodized salt among students is estimated to be 40.6%, 31.5% of the students don't know which type of salt they use in their homes. The results of this study imply that it is of major importance to improve the iodine situation in the whole area, and necessitate an intervention program. This includes distribution of iodine capsules as a short term strategy and iodized salt as a long term strategy. The study suggests that significant work is needed towards achieving the goal of raising the IDD awareness as well IDD elimination is required.