An epidemiological study of goitre in two rural communities of Varanasi

A cross sectional study was conducted in two rural communities of Varanasi during the period from January to December 1978 to find out the problem of endemic goitre. The overall prevalence of goitre was as high as 28.44% with 9.45% of adolescent (13-18 years) population having grade I enlargement. The highest prevalence was observed in 7-12 years of age group, the females being consistently more affected in all the age groups. The prevalence of goitre and iodine level of drinking water found to have an inverse relationship.