Patterns of Goitre in Sidama Awraja in Ethiopia and its relationship to piped water supply

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted in 1987 to determine the extent of goitre in Awassa Zuria part of Sidama Awraja. Households were the subjects of the survey to assess goitre rates. Trained staff were used for interview and clinical assessment of goitre rate. Among the total of 2,450 study population surveyed, 83.9% (n = 2,055) were school children. Out of the total study population, 40.5% (n = 993) were positive for goitre and ninety eight cases of the positive school children (n = 791) were randomly taken for biochemical tests. The Radio immunoassay technique was used to measure the levels of T3, T4 and TSH. The Sandell and Kolthoff technique was used to measure urine and water iodine. A comparison of T4 results, showed higher results for surface water users than piped water users and this has shown a significant difference (P < 0.001). It was higher in piped water compared to surface water. Further investigation however is required to fully elucidate the picture. Generally it is advisable to start iodine prophylaxis program in the studied areas.