Analysis on Iodine Nutrition Monitoring of School-Age Children in Binzhou from 2021 to 2023

Wang Cong; Zhang Zhiguang; Lu Zhonghai; Liang Lizhu

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-568X.2025.05.0008

Abstract：OBJECTIVE Understanding the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8～10 in Binzhou from 2021 to 2023,to provide a basis for the prevention and control of iodine-related diseases in the region.METHODS According to the technical implementation plan of the Shandong Provincial Basic Public Health Service for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control Project,an iodine nutrition survey was conducted among children aged 8～10 in seven counties(cities,districts)of Binzhou.Household edible salt samples and random urine samples were collected to measure salt iodine and urinary iodine levels,respectively,and thyroid volume was also assessed.RESULTS From 2021 to 2023,a total of 4 324 salt samples were tested,of which 1 945 were iodized salt,with an iodized salt coverage rate of 44.98％and a median iodine content of 15.55 mg/kg.The median urinary iodine levels of children in Binzhou from 2021 to 2023 were 191.05 μg/L,205.00 μg/L,and 170.07 μg/L,respectively,showing significant differences across years(x2=64.90,P＜0.01).During the same period,thyroid volume was measured in 1 623 school-aged children,with 52 cases of thyroid enlargement,resulting in an enlargement rate of 3.20％.There was no significant difference in the thyroid enlargement rate among different years(x2=5.96,P＞0.05).From 2021 to 2023,there was a significant positive correlation between salt iodine and urinary iodine levels(R=0.12,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION The iodized salt coverage rate in Binzhou showed a declining trend from 2021 to 2023.The thyroid enlargement rate in children met the national standard for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders(＜5％),and the overall iodine nutrition status of children was within an appropriate range.However,special attention should be given to groups with either low or high urinary iodine levels.