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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
agricultural and biological sciences
Iodine deficiency persists in the Zanzibar Islands of Tanzania
Food and Nutrition Bulletin, Volume 27, No. 4, Year 2006
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Description
Background. Iodine is an essential micronutrient for normal human growth and development. It is estimated that more than 1.6 billion people live in iodine-deficient environments, yet there are still some countries and areas where the prevalence of iodine-deficiency disorders is unknown. Objective. To establish the prevalence of iodine-deficiency disorders in the Zanzibar Islands, a community assumed to have ready access to iodine-rich seafoods. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 11,967 schoolchildren were palpated for goiter prevalence, a subsample was evaluated for urinary iodine concentration, and the availability of iodated salt was assessed at the household and retail levels. Results. The mean total goiter prevalence was 21.3% for Unguja and 32.0% for Pemba. The overall median urinary iodine concentration was 127.5 μg/L. For Unguja the median was 185.7 μg/L, a higher value than the median of 53.4 μg/L for Pemba (p < .01). The household availability of iodated salt was 63.5% in Unguja and 1.0% in Pemba. The community was not aware of the iodine-deficiency problem and had never heard of iodated salt. Conclusions. The inadequate intake of iodine documented in the Zanzibar Islands belies the common assumption that an island population with access to seafood is not at risk for iodine-deficiency disorders. We urge health planners to implement mandatory salt iodation and education efforts to alleviate the situation. © 2006, The United Nations University.
Authors & Co-Authors
Assey, Vincent D.
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center
Sweden, Uppsala
Uppsala Universitet
Greiner, Ted
Sweden, Uppsala
Uppsala Universitet
United States, Washington, D.c.
Program for Appropriate Technology in Health Path
Mzee, Rajab K.
Tanzania, Pemba
Public Health Laboratory Services-pemba
Abuu, Hamad
Tanzania, Zanzibar City
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Mgoba, Celestin
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre
Kimboka, Sabas
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre
Peterson, Stefan Swartling
Sweden, Uppsala
Uppsala Universitet
Sweden, Stockholm
Karolinska Institutet
Uganda, Kampala
Makerere University School of Public Health
Statistics
Citations: 18
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 8
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1177/156482650602700402
ISSN:
03795721
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Tanzania