Background. In Bukovina, depending on climatic and geographical zones, there is a mild and moderate degree of iodine deficiency. Assessment of urinary inorganic iodine excretion allows monitoring of the epidemiological situation regarding the severity of iodine deficiency in the region. The purpose was to assess the indicators of ioduria in prepubertal children living in the Northern Bukovina (Chernivtsi region). Materials and methods. As part of a 20-cluster analysis of the prevalence of goiter among the pediatric population of Chernivtsi region, 1,973 children aged 7 to 12 years were examined and the concentration of inorganic iodine in a single portion of urine was determined in 197 children. The obtained results were processed by the method of statistical variation and correlation analysis. Results. Manual palpation examination showed a significant incidence of goiter among children in Bukovina — 17.6 %. Thyromegaly among children of the reference group occurred in 15.1 % of cases. The median ioduria in the examined population is generally 60.4 μg/l. The average prevalence of iodine deficiency was 59.70 ± 1.82 %, the incidence of severe iodine deficiency did not exceed 5.22 ± 1.30 %. Analyzing the degree of iodine supply of children depending on the geographical areas of residence, we conclude that children li­ving in the plains and children from Chernivtsi have mild iodine deficiency (median ioduria is 72.2 and 70.4 μg/l, respectively), and children from mountainous areas — moderate iodine deficiency (median ioduria is 42.9 μg/l). The average prevalence of iodine deficiency was 59.70 ± 1.82 %, and excessive iodine in the urine — 18.70 ± 2.49 %. Moreover, the incidence of severe iodine deficiency did not exceed 5.22 ± 1.30 %. Conclusions. In most children living in Northern Bukovina, the median ioduria is reduced. In 18.7 % of children, the iodine content is more than 300 μg/l, which requires further monitoring.

Background. Iodine deficiency in the diet is the only and most common cause of brain damage and intellectual impairment in children, which can be prevented by adequate methods. The purpose was to assess the state of health of children and the formation of health competence in schoolchildren living in iodine-deficient regions. Materials and methods. Six hundred and fifty-five parents were surveyed and the morbidity was retrospectively studied in 1,973 schoolchildren from different districts of Northern Bukovina (Chernivtsi region). Integrated awareness indicator (IAI) and integrated preventive behavior indicator (IPBI) have been identified. Results. The nutrition of the examined children was irrational, with the use of products grown on homesteads, iodized salt was used by only 1 family out of 50. 11.9 % of respondents rated their health as excellent (not sick), 71.7 % — as good (sometimes sick), 16.3 %— as satisfactory (often ill). 14.4 % of respondents have a high IPBI, 41.7 % — a medium and 43.8 % have a low IPBI. There is a highly reliable relationship between IAI and IPBI (Pearson λ2 = 98.119, df = 29, p = 0.000, Cramer’s V = 0.162). Conclusions. In order to develop health competence in schoolchildren living in iodine-deficient regions, it is necessary to develop and implement new forms of motivation for daily preventive intake of iodized salt.