Objectives
Iodine deficiency and its sequelae among women of reproductive age in Nigeria, accounts for significant maternal and child morbidity and mortality, despite mandatory salt iodization. This study therefore determined the iodine status of young adult female undergraduate students in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 400 female undergraduate students in a peri-urban town in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, selected via multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires; clinical examination and urinary iodine assay were also conducted. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated, Participation was fully voluntary and informed consent was obtained.
Results
The mean age of respondents was 20±0.29years. Only 3.3% of participants had goitre; 0.8% had tremors. Based on urine assay, 56.2% of participants were iodine deficient, with about 50.0% being aged 15-19 years. Mild deficiency accounted for 76.4%; moderate deficiency for 18.3% and severe deficiency for 5.4% of all iodine deficient cases. Iodine deficiency was associated with the presence of a goitre and tremors (p<0.05).
Conclusions
Iodine deficiency was of high prevalence among the undergraduate females studied. Adequate nutrition education and enforcement of universal salt iodization, will help to improve the situation.
