A comparative analysis of monitoring results of iodine deficiency disorders between Xianyang City of Shaanxi Province and Yinchuan City of Ningxia after adjustment of salt iodine content

Objective To compare the indexes related to monitoring of iodine deficiency disorders between Xianyang City of Shaanxi Province and Yinchuan City of Ningxia Autonomous Region in 2016 for providing a basis in evaluating control measures to iodine deficiency disorders. Methods In 2016, 13 counties (districts) in Xianyang City and 6 counties (districts) in Yinchuan City were conducted sample surveys in accordance with the requirements of the "National Iodine Salt Monitoring Program", and the surveillance results were analyzed. The main indicators included salt iodine content, urinary iodine content in children aged 8 - 10 and pregnant women and children's goiter rate. Salt iodine content was measured by direct titration according to the "Determination of Iodine in General Test Method for Salt Industry" (GB/T 13025.7-2012). Urinary iodine content was determined using arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry (WS/T 107-2006). Children's goiter was determined by B-ultrasound examination based on the "National Diagnostic Criteria for Endemic Goiter" (WS 276-2007). Results In 2016, Xianyang City and Yinchuan City had monitored 3 900 and 1 800 salt samples, respectively, the medians of salt iodine were 30.2 and 27.8 mg/kg, respectively. The median of salt iodine in Xianyang City was higher than that in Yinchuan City (Z = 14.58, P 0.05). Conclusions The monitoring indexes of iodine deficiency disorders in Xianyang City and Yinchuan City have reached the national standard for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders. In comparison, Yinchuan City should further strengthen the monitoring of iodine nutrition level in children and pregnant women, iodized salt market supervision and health education. Key words: Iodine; Urine; Salts; Child; Pregnant women; Monitoring