Prevalence of Goiter and Household Salt Iodine Status Among Women in Tehsil Katlang, District Mardan, Pakistan: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs), of which goiter is the most common manifestation, remain an important public health problem in Pakistan, particularly among women.To determine the prevalence of goiter among women of Tehsil Katlang, District Mardan, and to assess the iodine status of salt at the household level.  Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2022 among 200 women in Tehsil Katlang using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Goiter was assessed by physical examination performed by a trained observer, and household salt samples were tested for iodine  content using a rapid spot-testing kit. Data were entered and analyzed in Microsoft Excel to generate frequencies and percentages. Results: Visible goiter was identified in 18 women (9%), of whom 8 (4%) had a positive family history of goiter and only 33 (16.5%) had adequate knowledge of goiter prevention. A higher proportion of respondents (n=127, 63.5%) consumed goitrogenic foods. Uneducated respondents (n=142, 71%) lacked information about iodized salt, and 145 (72.5%) could not differentiate iodized from non-iodized salt. Salt was left uncovered in 105 households (52.5%), and 144 salt samples (72%) tested negative for iodine. Conclusion: Goiter and inadequate household salt iodization are prevalent among women in Tehsil Katlang and are strongly associated with poor awareness, goitrogenic food consumption, and improper salt storage practices. Community-level education and stricter regulation of salt iodization are recommended.

Keywords: Goiter; Iodine deficiency; Iodine deficiency disorders; Goitrogenic foods; Salt iodization; Rapid testing kit