Assessment of the Iodine status of women of reproductive age (15-49 Years) in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Iodine intake remains an issue for women of childbearing age. While it is essential for women to consume adequate levels of iodine during pregnancy, it is equally important that women of childbearing age consume sufficient amounts of iodine, especially those who are planning pregnancy.

Objective: This study assessed the iodine status of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: The population for the study comprised all female senior secondary students and teachers between 15-49 years in the three senatorial zones of Rivers State. The minimum sample size required for the study was 320 women estimated using the Cochrane formula. A cross sectional study design was used in which both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed.

Results: The median urinary iodine concentration of the study population (129.06 μg/L) indicated that the women had optimal iodine nutrition. The percentage of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) below 50 μg/L in the women indicated that iodine deficiency among childbearing-age women has not yet been eliminated. A greater percentage of the women (44.16%) had more than the adequate iodine nutrition, while 6.49% were excessive.

Conclusion: The iodine status of the women showed that none of the women were deficient. However, half of the respondents have high intake (200 μg/L) and are at risk of iodine induced hyperthyroidism. Public awareness regarding the rate of iodine deficiency in women of reproductive age is therefore recommended.