ABSTRACT

 The study assessed the iodine status of preschool aged children (2-5years) in Ovum lsukwuato LG.A of Aba State. Data was drawn from 100 respondents, (57) males and (43) 1emalc', Personal data and socioeconomic characteristics, food consumption pattern, perception on health and academic performance, anthropometric measurement  were all studied using validated questionnaire. Urinary iodine concentration analysis was used to determine the iodine status of the subjects. The study indicated that majority (38.0%) of the subjects had adequate iodine status, optimal level was (30%), (4%) had excessive iodine status while (28%) was seen to have mild iodine dc1iieney. The frequency of consumption of iodized salt showed a higher percentage (43%) consumed iodized salt daily, (33%) twice daily, and (17%) once daily. The mean values of weight, height and mid upper arm circumferences of the subjects were also shown. Compared to the males (17.82+5.74), the females had higher mean weight (1953:E6.02) although this was not significant (p>0.05). In height and need-upper arm circumference, I e lentils also had higher values (94.47± I 7.56 and I 6.971: I .72) compared to males ($9. I 6:1:1 8.9Sand 1 6.08:1:2.07), respectively. No significant difference (p0.05) was observed in the heights of the children but mid upper arm circumference significantly (p<0.05) among the male and female children. The correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between anthropometry and iodine status among male and female respondents. among the male and female children. The correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between anthropometry and iodine status among male and female respondents. the result revealed that for the males, height was positively co1Telaed (r = 0.40$) with iodine status, while weight for height had a negative relationship (r 0.456) with iodine status for the female.