The impact of an iodine deficiency disorders control program in West Sumatra, Indonesia

A cross-sectional study on iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) status was conducted in a known endemic area where three types of IDD intervention (iodized oil capsule, iodized salt and iodinated water) were employed. A total of 238 children of 8-10 years of age from eight public elementary schools were included in the study. In addition to selected socio-economic and anthropometric data, output (iodine level in salt, iodine content in drinking water, iodized oil coverage) and outcome (goiter by palpation, urinary iodine excretion (UIE) concentration) were assessed. The total goiter prevalence (all were in grade 1) was 19% (mild IDD). The median UIE concentration was 193.5 µg/L (iodine-replete condition). Iodized oil capsule coverage was 61%, and 55% of those children received their latest capsule less than 1 year prior to the time of the study. Iodine level in salt was 14.4 ± 9 p.p.m. The iodine level in iodine supplemented drinking water was 11.7 ± 8.2 µg/L, while in surface water it was 12.2 ± 4.7 µg/L. Goiter was not associated with any of the three types of iodine supplementation, while UIE level was significantly associated only with iodized salt (p<0.001), which suggested that, despite some problems in the universal salt iodization program, iodized salt was the most effective agent of the IDD control program at the community level. However, more research is needed to better understand the impact indicators of IDD control programs.