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Epidemiology of goitre in Sri Lanka in the post-iodization era
R Fernando1, A Pathmeswaran, M D P Pinto
1Departments of Surgery, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. ranilfern@sltnet.lk.
Introduction:
Previous studies of goitre in Sri Lanka proposed the presence of a goitre belt, which was refuted subsequently. Epidemiology of goitre in the post iodization era needs re-evaluation. Objectives To describe the epidemiology of goitre in Sri Lanka.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in designated zones except in conflict areas in 2006/2007. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used and patients were evaluated clinically, biochemically and cytologically.
Results:
Among 5200 participans 426 had goitre. Mean age was 36.3 (SD 17.3) years. Goitre was commonest in the age group 40-49 years with a female pre-ponderance. The prevalence was similar in all zones with pockets of high prevalence in each zone. Overall islandwide adjusted prevalence was 6.8% (95% CI = 6.0-7.6).
Conclusions:
There was no identifiable goitre belt.There were pockets of high prevalence in all zones. Goitre remains a public health issue despite universal iodization.
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