Prevalence and determinants of goitre among children of South Kordofan state, Sudan, 2021: an urgent need for effective implementation of universal salt iodisation

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of goiter among children aged 6-12 years at South Kordofan State. Design: This was a cross-sectional facility-based study. Setting: The study was conducted in 20 villages of South Kordofan State during a medical mission. Participants: All 575 school-age children (6 to 12 years) who attended the medical day were examined for clinical assessment of goiter. Results: The prevalence of goiter among children of South Kordofan was 42.8% (grade 1: 15.7%, grade 2: 27.1%). Only 24.2% of caregivers reported using iodized salt. Mothers working as farmers (OR: 3.209, CI 95% 1.437 – 7.167; p= 0.004) and children of Darforian tribes (OR: 21.799, CI 95% 2.566 - 185.226; p= 0.005) were found to be significantly associated with higher prevalence of goiter among children. This contrasts with children of African tribes, where they were found to have less goiter prevalence (OR: 0.432, CI 95% 0.213-0.875; p= 0.02). Iodized salt utilization (OR = 0.523, CI 95% 0.320 - 0.854; p= 0.01) was found associated with a lower prevalence of goiter. Conclusion: Even though IDD control programs were initiated in Sudan more than 25 years ago, the prevalence of goiter among children in South Kordofan State was alarming (42.8%). Efforts to improve access to iodized salt, increase utilization, and raise awareness are urgently needed.