Abstract:
Goiter as major manifestation of Iodine-deficiency disorders is a major public health problem in the Globe including Ethiopia. Magnitude of Goiter assessment helps to understand the extent of iodine deficiency among population.
Objective: To assess Magnitude of goiter and associated factors among school children aged 6- 12 in Gimbi town, west wollega Zone, Oromiya regional State, Ethiopia.
Methods: School based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 362 students selected from private and Public schools in Gimbi Town, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia from, May 2 -12, 2022. Structured questionnaire was used and physical examination was done to determine Goiter and nutritional status Indices were calculated after Height, weight and Body mass Index of children was measured. Household salt iodine content was determined using Rapid iodine test Kit. The completeness of the data was checked and EpiData 3.1 was used for data entry and SPSS software Version 26 was used for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to test the association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.
Results: overall goiter rate was 43.3% (95%CI 37.6% - 48.5%). Of these 34.6 % were grade one (palpable but not visible) Goiter and 8.7% of them have visible goiter that is consistent with an enlarged thyroid when the neck is palpated. Consuming egg less than once (AOR=2.0, 95%CI:=1.02-4.12) , Consuming Cabbage more than once per week (AOR=4.30, 95%CI:=1.80-10.30), Having poor diet diversity (AOR=6.0, 95%CI:=3.10- 11.60), Unacceptable food consumption score(AOR=6.20,95%CI:=1.80-13.80),Using inadequately iodized salt (AOR=5.40,95% CI:=2.30- 12.60), Having family size greater than five (AOR=4.10, 95% CI:=2.10 - 8.10) and not consuming meat at all (AOR=2.40, 95%CI:=1.20- 4.90) were Significantly associated with goiter.
Conclusion and Recommendation: This study revealed that magnitude of goiter is severe public health problem among school children and Health education has to be given to all community members and mothers /care givers of children about iodine rich food stuffs and avoidance of goitrogenic substances to prevent iodine deficiency.
