Surveillance on iodine nutritional status in target population in Shanghai

ObjectiveTo ascertain iodine nutritional status of pregnant women and children in Shanghai since the implementation of "Salt Iodine Content Standard" in 2011.

MethodsBy population proportion probability sampling, 30 sub-districts(towns) were chosen, with one primary school was randomly sampled in each sub-districts(towns). And 50 students aged 8-10 in every school were randomly selected to test their urinary iodine and thyroid volume, and their household iodized salt concentration determined. And 20 pregnant women were selected to test their urinary iodine in each sub-districts(towns).

ResultsThe goiter rate of 8-10 years old children was 0.9%. The medians of urinary iodine concentration of 8-10 years old children and pregnant women were 171.40 μg/L and 126.53 μg/L, respectively. The consumption rates of qualified iodized salt were 72.52%. The median of iodine content concentration in salt was 24.8 mg/kg.

ConclusionIn Shanghai, the goiter rate of children was lower than that of the national standard. Iodine nutritional status of children is proper, but the pregnant women were deficient in iodine nutrition. Therefore, iodized salt concentration should be improved to the optimal level. Health education for pregnant women should be strengthened.