PREVALENCE OF IODINE DEFICIENCY AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AND CHILDREN AGED 6-59 MONTHS IN THREE COUNTIES OF KAZAKHSTAN

Iodine is one of the most important and most studied, among the many essential trace elements, the lack of which has a negative impact on human health. Kazakhstan has more than ten years' experience of universal salt iodization. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for the prevention of iodine deficiency in sentinel populations in Akmola, East Kazakhstan (EKO) and South Kazakhstan oblasts (SKO). Methods. In cross-sectional study, which was conducted in July-August 2012 were randomly involved women of reproductive age (n = 250) and their children up to 5 years (n = 250) of Akmola, EKO (n = 256, n = 256) and SKO (n = 203, n = 203). The severity of iodine deficiency was assessed according to the criteria recommended by WHO. The content of iodine in the salt was regulated according to the normative and technical documentation of Kazakhstan. Results. Significant proportion of pregnant women in EKO 56.3 % (95 % CI: 33, 2-76, 9) and SKO 45.8 % (95 % CI: 27,9-64,9) has the level of urinary iodine below normal. Among non-pregnant women in all three studied areas there is a mild iodine deficiency, however, was detected excessive levels of iodine in 38.8 % (95 % CI: 32,2-45,7) non-pregnant women and 34.7 % (95 % CI: 28,4-41,5) children of the Akmola oblast. Determining the level of iodine in the salt consumed in the same households where urinary iodine was evaluated in women and children, to a certain extent reflects the tendency of the interdependence of consumption of iodine salt and its excretion in the urine. Discussion. In view of the situation identified as iodine deficiency and regional differences should be established for monitoring IDD urinary excretion (as high, normal, lower values). Put on a constant periodic basis the state system of monitoring the quality of iodized salt produced on all levels.