Iodine deficiency disorder - An old problem tackled again: A review of a comprehensive operational study in the northeast of Thailand

Abstract

Between 1991 and 1996 attempts were made to control iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) in the Northeast of Thailand. The project was conducted within the framework of an intervention project with emphasis on women's health in the reproductive age. IDD was found to be highly prevalent in the project area. The goitre rate of the women was 50,6%. In school children it was between 27 to 93%. The use of iodinated water was not successful. In the project area, iodinated fish sauce was favoured over iodinated salt. This was because the local population mostly use fish sauce instead of salt in their cooking. The results of two independent intervention trials, one with females and another with school children, indicated that iodinated fish sauce could be the best means to control IDD in the area. The experiences gained in the trials were used to control IDD in the whole project area. From 1991 to 1996 the goitre rate of females in the reproductive age decreased to about 20%. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.