Investigation and analysis on the growth and decline of endemic goiter of Guizhou province

Objective To explore the growth and decline rule of endemic goiter of Guizhou province after universal salt iodination (USI). Methods A follow-up survey was conducted in the group of children aged 8-10 years old. Results 1 720 students were checked, and among 240 children with degree Ⅰ goiter, 139 children became normal with a convert rate of 57.92%. 15 changed into degree Ⅱ goiter with a convert rate of 6.25% and 86 unchanged, accounting 35.83%. 28 children with degree Ⅱ goiter were observed and the total convert rate (convert into normal and degree I) was 42.86%. The new occurrence (incidence) of endemic goiter was 6.69% among the 1 434 children with normal thyroid. Conclusions The incidence of endemic goiter in the children aged 8-10 years old in Guizhou province declines yearly, but very slowly. It is suggested that the new occurrence (incidence) of endemic goiter in the children aged 8-10 years old, or the incidence of endemic goiter in the children aged 8 years old be used as index for approval of goiter control.