Prevalence of Goitre among primary school children in the Mewat area of Haryana

Iodine is one of the essential micronutrients required for the normal mental and physical well being of human beings. Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) has been considered as major public health problem in India including Mewat. The present goiter survey was done in Mewat district with the objective of estimating the prevalence of goiter in primary school children, of age six to twelve years. 1050 children from six to twelve years were clinically examined for the presence of goitre during survey. Overall goitre prevalence rate was 15.2%. Prevalence was significantly higher among females than males (P=0.039). Age-specific prevalence rate (ASPR) was higher in 9 to 12 yrs age group as compared to 6 to 8 yr age group and it was statistically significant.