Results from the National Strategy for improvement of iodine nutrition in Bulgaria: a study of children and pregnant women living in an iodine-deficient area

Journal article | Zeitschriftenartikel

Background: A significant part of Bulgaria is considered an iodine-deficient area. The National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) was developed in 1994, and regular surveys undertaken in 2000–2003 indicated a normalization of the iodine supply in the Bulgarian population, including some at-risk population groups (children, schoolchildren, pregnant women). Despite the results achieved, mandating periodic cohort surveys for tracking the elimination of iodine deficiency is necessary. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the the national strategy for improvement of iodine nutrition in children and pregnant women living in an iodine-deficient area in Bulgaria 15 years after its update. Subjects and methods: Study subjects were 73 children aged 9.21 ± 2.07 years (29 boys and 44 girls) and 16 pregnant women living in the town of Asenovgrad. Urinary iodine concentration was measured and used as an index of iodine intake. Results: The median urinary iodine of the inspected children was between 100–199 μg/l, which is an indicator of optimal iodine nutrition. Almost 1/3 of the children (31.5%) had iodine deficiency. The median urinary iodine concentration of the 16 pregnant women investigated was 127.0 μg/l, which is an indicator of insufficient iodine intake. Conclusion: Despite the normalization of the iodine supply in the past years in the at-risk population groups of children and pregnant women, a considerable portion of them still has iodine deficiency. Recommendations for improving health education and iodine nutrition in at-risk population groups were made.

Object Details

• Extent: Seite(n): 237-240
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Status: Postprint; begutachtet (peer reviewed)

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Journal of Public Health, 19(3)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Sozialwissenschaften, Soziologie ; Medizin und Gesundheit ; Medizin, Sozialmedizin ; Gesundheitspolitik

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Gatseva, Penka D. ; Bivolarska, Anelia V. ; Argirova, Mariana D.
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Deutschland
• (when): 2010

Further information

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-010-0383-1
• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-251370
• Rights: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften. Bibliothek Köln
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:27 PM CEST