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  • Title: Socioeconomic factors and prevalence of endemic goitre.
    Author: Joshi DC, Mishra VN, Bhatnagar M, Singh RB, Garg SK, Chopra H.
    Journal: Indian J Public Health; 1993; 37(2):48-53. PubMed ID: 8138288.
    Abstract:
    The present study was conducted on 2611 school children of a rural area of Meerut, with the objectives to find out the prevalence and distribution of endemic goitre and the socioeconomic variables associated with the distribution of the endemic goitre. Grading of goitre was done as per the criteria laid down by the WHO-1979 (1). The overall prevalence rate of endemic goitre was 50.1%, the prevalence was more among females (55.1%) as compared to males (47.2%). Maximum number of goitre cases were having grade Ia enlargement (46.9%) followed by grade Ib (34.1%), grade 2(15.0%) and grade 3 (4.0%). Prevalence increased with increase in age. Statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of endemic goitre in relation to different religions and caste groups, different occupations of the parents/guardians of children and types of houses used for the purpose of living. Most studies of goiter show a link with lower socioeconomic status. Goiter is endemic in areas with environmental iodine deficiency or diets high in certain foods which interfere with iodine utilization by the body. This study aims to examine the extent of goiter and the socioeconomic factors associated with its appearance among 2611 school children in a rural areas of Meerut, India. The student population was selected from 22 schools in the Primary Health Center Machhra Area between April 1989 and March 1990. Prevalence of goiter was clinically determined and graded according to the World Health Organization's 1979 criteria. Information was obtained on type of housing, occupation of parents, religion, and caste. 1308 children (50.1%) had goiter (55.1% of females and 47.2% of males). The largest number of cases involved an enlarged goiter palpable when the neck was extended (46.9%) followed by visible enlargement when the neck was extended (34.1%). 4.0% had a grade 3 goiter (visible at a distance). Prevalence increased with increased age. The largest percentage of cases appeared in the age group 12-14 years (53.8%) and the fewest in the age group 6-8 years (45.3%). Females had higher rates in all age groups; differences by age and gender are statistically significant. Goiter prevalence was lowest among Brahmins (29.8%) followed by Guijars (38.3%), 43.8% among Jats, and 53.5% among Kumhars. 53.6% of scheduled caste members had goiter. The highest percentage of goiter cases occurred among children of laborers (56.4%) followed by children of businessmen (51.2%). 45.1% of children of farmers and 37.0% of children of service workers had goiter. Differences are statistically significant. 62.1% of children living in Kuchha housing and 62.6% of children living in mixed housing had goiter as opposed to only 33.1% of children living in pucca housing. Low socioeconomic status is clearly related to the prevalence of goiter.
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