IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS AND EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF SCHOOL GIRLS IN SHAHRIAR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Background and Aim: Iodine is an essential component for thyroid hormones as well as brain and neurological development. It has been estimated that one-third of children are at risk of iodine deficiency disorders worldwide. Studies have shown that schoolchildren living in iodine-deficient areas were found to have poorer levels of intelligence quotient and cognitive than schoolchildren living in iodine-sufficient areas .This study was aimed to determine the association between nutritional iodine status and educational performance among school girls in Shahriar, Tehran.Methods: This school-based cross sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2016. A total of 223 female students aged 14-19 years were selected from 318 schools using systematic random sampling method. Spot urine samples were collected to determine median urinary iodine. School educational profile for each student was assessed to obtain student’s average grade for previous and current year (ranged between 0-20).Results: Median urinary iodine concentrations were 129 µg/L. Mild and moderate iodine deficiency was found in 22.4% and 14.3% of the students, respectively. Mean of average in current year and previous year were (17.58±2.19) and (17.25±2.37), respectively. There was no significant relationship between urinary iodine levels and educational achievement.Conclusion: Our study showed that iodine deficiency disorders is a significant health problem among school girls in Shahriar and there is no significant relationship between nutritional iodine status and School educational profile.

کلیدواژه ها:

Urinary iodine ، Educational performance ، Students