An analysis of iodine deficiency disorder and eradication strategies in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco

The population of the Ounein Valley in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco is at high risk of iodine deficiency. Food consumption habits, iodine deficiency and goiter patterns in local children were investigated through regression analysis using data from a household survey. Median urinary iodine content and goiter analysis both reflected moderate iodine deficiency in the population. Total fish consumption had a statistically significant, positive effect on urinary iodine content. Fish consumption, like that of salt, was closely related to market access. Respondents were generally unaware of the dietary etiology of goiter. An effective strategy to reduce the high incidence of iodine deficiency disorder among children in the valley must attend to four crucial issues: fish consumption, salt iodization, nutrition education, and market access.