Abstract
Iodine deficiency has several effects on health, particularly concerning brain development in the
fetus and in early childhood. With regard to the past few decades, the situation was mitigated when considering the total goiter rate in children. A mild deficiency produced no obvious physical effect, but
did impair mental function. In this regard, the northern and northeastern regions comprised the highest
risk areas. This descriptive study was aimed at reviewing the iodine status of populations in Chiang Mai,
Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son by analyzing secondary data during Fiscal Years 2007-2009 and
was framed under the WHO manual entitled “Assessment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Monitoring
Their Elimination.”
It was found that a proportion of the households using adequately iodized salt was progressively
over 90 percent in every province except Mae Hong Son. Thyroid function was assessed by screening
TSH levels in newborns that were over 11.2 mu/L; in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son
the levels were 12.73, 7.84, 10.29, and 15.83 percent, respectively, and the incidences of thyroid hormone
deficiency were 1:2,297, 1:1,665, 1:2,468, 1:3,058 respectively. The total goiter rate was below 5 percent in
every province. The level of iodine in urine in pregnancy in Mae Hong Son was equally insufficient at
50.89 percent; in primary school pupils in Lamphun it was 52.38 percent, that is, equally more than adequate.
In conclusion, four provinces indicated mild iodine deficiency areas, but their situation had gotten
better. Iodine deficiency prevention requires more attention from policymakers. Proper development of
intellectual quotients by adequate iodine intake should be designated as one of the national strategies on
childhood capacity-building. Correct knowledge-building on the benefits of proper iodine intake should
be encouraged. Salt producers need to show social responsibility as well; legal measures are necessary, if
they do not do so.
