Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Iodine Deficiency (ID) represent a significant public health problem globally, particularly among pregnant women.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and predictors of ID among pregnant women residing in Durres Albania

Methods: A survey cross-sectional study conducted on 162 pregnant women, from May to June 2021. Demographic information, iodized salt usage, and other clinical information were collected using a questionnaire cum interview face to face. The presence of iodine deficiency disorders was observed through urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Statistical analysis was done using the methods included in the statistical package of social science SPSS16. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of 162 pregnant women, the higher percentage (48.7%) were in the first trimester. 52.7% of them had 2-3 births, 72% had no history of abortion, 95.6% with no history of premature birth, 95% of them lived in non-coastal areas. The mean age was 28.96 ± 5.197. UIC median (m UIC) among pregnant women was 114.6 µg/l (7.8-433). mUIC was reduced with increasing gestational age and the lowest value appeared in the third trimester (UIC <99.7 μg/l (21.7 -298.5 μg/l) P 0.03). 71.6% of pregnant women had UIC <150 μg/l regardless of age, number of births, abortions, premature births and living, reflecting iodine deficiency. Among them, the highest percentage (52.4%) appeared with mild ID, 13% with moderated ID and 6.1% with severe ID. Statistically significant differences were found between trimesters of pregnancy and age groups among women who received supplements of iodine vs those who did not (P 0.01) but there was no statistical difference in m UIC between these two groups. Women who were aware of iodine salt had higher level of m UIC (P 0.01). According to the results models of multi nominal regression the factors of UIC who identified as independent were no history of abort (OR^ 0.45, P 0.048), living in coast areas (OR ^ 0.34, P 0.041), trimesters of pregnancy (OR ^ 0.23 P 0.042) and consumption of fish, meat and fruit.

Konkluzion: Prevalence of ID was high in pregnant women reflecting low iodine intake. UIC reduced with incresing gestational age. Predictors of UIC were no history of abort, living in coast areas, the trimesters of pregnancy and consumption of fish, meat and fruit.

Keywords: UIC, iodine deficiency, pregnant women, supplement of iodine