[Endemic goiter epidemiological study of prevalence in Oleiros]

This research was carried out in the county of Oleiros, which integrates the only defined endemic goiter zone in Portugal, since 1969. We intend to characterize, from the epidemiological point of view, the prevalence of the endemic goiter by the observation of all students (N=699) and by the determination of the iodine urinary excretion in a sample of them (n=43). The prevalence value was of 27.5% (192 in 699), corresponding to 21.6% and to 5.9%, respectively for the total cases of degree 1A and degrees 1B and 2. No cases of degree 3 were found. Prevalence was of 36.4% (116 in 319) for females, and 20% (76 in 380) for males (proportion of about 2:1). The iodine urinary excretions presented 20% of the values out of the normal limits, and about 10% of them below minimum. These results allow us to classify the region as one of low to moderate endemic severity. However, in order to eradicate, among us, the endemic goiter, it is essential to proceed with the prophylactic program.