Publication

Abstract : Background and Objectives: Iodine is an essential micronutrient needed for normal human growth and brain development. Methods and Study Design: A community based observational study was done in Anichakuppam, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, South India in the year of 2012 with a sample of 2830 individuals from 1233 households. Eight villages were randomly selected and data were collected by house-to-house survey. All age groups were included with an exclusion of lt;2 years in this present study. Results: In the present study, overall goiter prevalence was 8% of which the visible goiter rate was 2.6%. The prevalence of goiter is more in the lower socio-economic group, higher prevalence was found in females as compared to males’ population. Conclusion: We have concluded that the prevalence of goiter would be reduced by consuming mineral water for drinking purpose and by a program of distribution of iodized salt has been initiated to eliminate goiter problem.