Iodine Deficiency Disorder and Its Association with Academic Performance Among Children in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia

Nutritional status is the major factor that can affect academic performance of school children. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between iodine deficiency disorder and academic performance among school age children. Both community & school based cross sectional survey was conducted from October 1-30, 2010. A total of 1254 students, aged 6-12 years, were selected from five primary schools using systematic random sampling method. Goiter examinations and urine iodine test was done to diagnose goiter. Spot urine samples were collected to determine median urinary iodine level and anthropometric measurements were done. In this study, 1,254 children were included; 674 (53.7%) were males. Average academic score of students for both sexes was 71.13%. Majority of students 349 (71.2%) who had goiter scored below average (p=0.01). High median urinary iodine level [AOR=0.38; 95% CI (0.190,0.489)]; high height-for-age z-score [AOR=5.023; 95% CI (3.317,7.607)]; and high weight-for-age z-score [AOR=3.214; 95% CI (2.091,4.941]) were significantly associated with good school performance. Iodine deficiency disorder is a significant health problem among schoolchildren in the study area. Strengthening salt iodization program is a preventive measure.