Demographic, Dietary and Biochemical Risk Factors Associated with the Causation of Goiter in Plane Areas of Sindh Province

Abstract

Present study was conducted to find out the demographic, dietary and biochemical risk factors associated with the causation of goiter in plane areas of Sindh province. This case-control study was carried out at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro from July 2009 to December 2009. A total of 200 subjects (100 goiter patients and 100 normal control subjects matched for age and gender) were recruited for present study. The demographic characteristics and dietary history of both goiter patients and control subjects were studied with the help of a standard questionnaire developed for that purpose. Serum samples from goiter patients and control subjects were analyzed for iodine, TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels, while urine samples were analysed for iodine content. Of the 100 goiter patients 87 were females and 13 were males. Majority (53%) of the study patients were young adults (20-39 years age). Odds Ratio analysis of the dietary data showed that consumption of cabbage and pickle in mustard oil containing mustard seeds had a significant positive association with goiter. Similarly, consumption of fish, eggs, milk products, chicken, beef and peas had a significant inverse association with goiter. Blood and urine iodine levels were significantly (P<0.001) lower in goiter patients than in control subjects whereas, the reverse was true for serum TSH and FT4 levels. All the goiter patients were found to be iodine deficient with 33 percent having mild and 77 percent moderate iodine deficiency. It was concluded that consumption of underground water, cabbage, and pickle in mustard oil containing the mustard seeds and low intake of animal protein diet is associated with mild to moderate iodine deficiency found in the inhabitants of plane areas of Sindh province.