title: Epidemiology of goitre in Sri Lanka in the post-iodization era.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies of goitre in Sri Lanka proposed the presence of a goitre belt, which was refuted subsequently. Epidemiology of goitre in the post iodization era needs re-evaluation. Objectives To describe the epidemiology of goitre in Sri Lanka.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in designated zones except in conflict areas in 2006/2007. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used and patients were evaluated clinically, biochemically and cytologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 5200 participans 426 had goitre. Mean age was 36.3 (SD 17.3) years. Goitre was commonest in the age group 40-49 years with a female pre-ponderance. The prevalence was similar in all zones with pockets of high prevalence in each zone. Overall islandwide adjusted prevalence was 6.8% (95% CI = 6.0-7.6).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no identifiable goitre belt.There were pockets of high prevalence in all zones. Goitre remains a public health issue despite universal iodization.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. ranilfern@sltnet.lk.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fernando
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pathmeswaran
authors.forename: M D P
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Pinto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D062305:Geographic Mapping; D006042:Goiter / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006043:Goiter, Endemic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007455:Iodine