Iodine Status of the Indigenous Peoples (Karen) Living in Thailand

Iodine deficiency (ID) is a global public health problem, and it is estimated that almost 240 million school-aged children (SAC) worldwide have an insufficient iodine intake. Currently, severe ID is uncommon, but mild-to-moderate ID is still widespread on a global level, especially in the Asia region. Iodine deficiency causes multiple adverse effects on growth and development in all age groups. Salt iodization is recommended as the most cost-effective way of delivering iodine to the target population to combat iodine deficiency. In addition, the cyclic monitoring of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in vulnerable groups is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, some minority communities such as indigenous peoples living in remote rural areas are not included in IDD surveillance programs. Indigenous peoples in many developing countries, including Thailand, are largely ignored in development efforts, as they are disadvantaged minority groups in those societies. These indigenous peoples may therefore be at risk of many adverse health and nutrition consequences, resulting in their quality of life. In order to promote nutrition and health, and to ensure adequate iodine intake among indigenous peoples in Thailand, it is essential to understand the urinary iodine concentration of the populations and the iodine content in their household salt. The results from this study could then be considered and potentially strengthen the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) program in Thailand, to reach indigenous peoples in border areas.

This study will conduct in Karen communities in Laiwo Subdistrict, Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The participants will be divided into 2 groups, school-aged children, males and females (6-12 years), and women of reproductive age (15-49 years). The Participants will be collected their urine to determine urinary iodine concentrations At the same time, their household salt will be also collected to determine iodine content.

Inclusion criteria

• Karen ethnic population living in Laiwo Subdistrict, Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
• Healthy school-aged children, male and female, aged 6 -12 years old (n=300)
• Healthy reproductive-aged women, aged 15 - 49 years old (n=300)
• Can follow the steps of this study

Exclusion criteria

• NO