Investigation Results of Iodine Nutrition Level in Key Populations of Xinjiang (2019)

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of key populations in different regions of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) in 2019, to provide a reference for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders.

Methods The stratified cluster random sampling method was used to conduct iodide measurement in 96 counties (cities/districts) from 14 regions of Xinjiang. Random urinary iodide and iodide content of table salt were measured for 200 children (aged 8-10) and 100 pregnant women at each investigation site. Ultrasound was performed to measure thyroid volume for all children.

Results The median (inter-quartile range) of urinary iodide concentration (UIC) was 219.55 (151.3-294.73)μg/L for the children aged 8-10 years and 187.35 (126.90-262.35)μg/L for the pregnant women. UIC < 150 μg/L was observed in the urine of the pregnant women from 12 counties (cities/districts). For children, there were significant differences in UIC and iodide content of table salt between southern and northern Xinjiang (χ²=129.31, 101.48, both P < 0.05); for pregnant women, there were also significant differences in UIC and iodide content of table salt between southern and northern Xinjiang (χ²=88.66, 19.32, both P < 0.05). Gender (odds ratioOR=0.85, 95% confidenc intervalCI: 0.80-0.91), iodide content of table salt (OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.12-1.58), and thyroid volume (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.16-1.25) were influencing factors for iodine nutrition level in children aged (8-10) years. Administration of iodine supplements (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.36-1.68) was an influencing factor for iodine nutrition level in pregnancy women.

Conclusion Children aged (8-10) years and pregnant women in Xinjiang generally have an appropriate level of iodine, but UIC < 150 μg/L is still observed in pregnant women from 12 counties (cities/districts). It is suggested that Xinjiang still needs to consolidate the achievements of the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders and continue to maintain and strengthen scientific iodine supplementation measures for key populations.