A district survey measures total goitre prevalence among school children aged 6 to 12 years. As per WHO criteria, a total goitre prevalence of what magnitude classifies the district as endemic for iodine deficiency disorders (a significant public health problem)?

• A More than 2 percent
• B 20 percent or more
• C 10 percent or more
• D 5 percent or more ✓

Explanation

WHO classifies iodine deficiency as a significant public health problem when total goitre prevalence in school age children (6 to 12 years) is 5 percent or more. This age group is surveyed because they are easily accessible through schools and reflect current iodine status of the community. A prevalence below 5 percent indicates only a mild problem requiring monitoring rather than urgent control measures.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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