[Prevalence of endemic goiter in the health sector of Zitenga (Burkina Faso)].

The prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) was studied in the health district of Zitenga village (Oubritenga province, Burkina Faso), as part of an assisted development program. The study was designed to assess the prevalence of IDD in a population of more than 2,000 people. A multistage cluster sample of 210 people was randomly selected. The women in the sample were aged 0 to 45 years and the men, 0 to 25 years. Clinical and laboratory results (circulating TSH concentration, T4 and iodine excretion in urine), and dietary intake were recorded. The prevalence of goiter (all grades) was 55.2%. The values recorded for iodine excretion in urine showed that there was moderate iodine deficiency in this area. Blood thyroxine levels were below the laboratory reference range for 63% of the subjects, whereas TSH levels were above the laboratory reference range for 69.3% of the subjects. There was no correlation between hormone status, iodine excretion and goiter. The entire population of this area was deficient in iodine; some individuals had clinical signs of iodine deficiency, such as goiter. Further studies are required to investigate the factors responsible for goiter in this area and iodine supplementation should be provided for the population.