Original Research
Goiter, iodine bioavailability and intrauterine growth restriction in Indigenous and Afro-descendant pregnant women from six non-metropolitan areas of Colombia (2019–2020)
AUTHORS
Julian A Herrera-Murgueitio1 PhD, Emeritus and Honorary Professor of Medicine * 
Octavio Piñeros1 MBA, Professor
Javier Torres Munoz2 MD, Associate Professor
Mildrey Mosquera Escudero3 PhD, Leader of the Nutrition Research Group
Marco A Tamara Burgos4 MD, MPH, Health Professional
Maria M Arriola-Salgado5 MPH, Assisant Professor
Elia J Gomez-Porras6 Health Professional
Sandra X Cespedes Gaitan7 MD, MSc, Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Ana M Galvis-Serrano8 MSc, Director
Wilman A Suarez Izquierdo9 MD, MSc, Medical Epidemiologist
Erika J Umaña1 MD, Assistant Professor
Ana Y Forero Torres10 MSc, Director
Anibal N Díaz11 MD, PhD, Chief
AFFILIATIONS
1 Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
2 Neonatology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
3 Biochemistry Section, School of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
4 ESE Hospital San Jerónimo, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
5 Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
6 Secretaria de Salud, Gobernación del Amazonas, Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia
7 Clínica Marta, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
8 Baylor Foundation, Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia
9 Gonawindua Indigenous Public Health Institution, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
10 Nutrition Section, National Health Institute, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Bogotá, Colombia
11 Gynecology and Obstetrics Service, Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
ACCEPTED: 30 April 2024
early abstract:
Introduction: Iodine is an essential mineral for fetal growth and brain development.
Objective: To evaluate goiter, iodine deficiency and intrauterine growth restriction in pregnant women of minority ethnic groups.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in six non-metropolitan areas of Colombia.
Results: 318 Indigenous and Afro-descendant pregnant women were invited to participate. 248 (83.2%) Indigenous and 50 (16.8%) Afro-descendant women were studied. The mean age was 24 years (range 13–44 years). 130 (43.5%) were from the department of Cauca, 72 (24.1%) from Córdoba, 28 (9.4%) from Guajira, 26 (8.8%) from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, 22 (7.4%) from Amazonas, 16 (5.4%) from Meta and 4 (1.3%) from the department of Cesar. 244 (81.8%) were illiterate. 291 (97.7%) were of very low socio-economic level. Goiter was observed in 69 (23.3%) pregnant women [38 (41.7%) from the department of Cauca, 10 (35.7%) from Guajira, 5 (31.2%) from Meta, 6 (27.2%) from Amazonas and 10 (13.8 %) from the department of Cordoba]. 42 (14.9%) pregnant women were iodine deficient (< 100 µg/L) [16 (11.6%) mild (50–99 µg/L), 19 (13.8%) moderate (20–49 µg/L) and 7 (5.1%) severe (< 20 µg/L)]. Literacy was a protective factor concerning iodine deficiency [OR= 0.19 CI 0.04–0.84, p=0.016]. Illiteracy and iodine deficiency were risk factors for goiter [OR= 6.72 (CI 3.9–9.5) p= 0.038] only in the department of Cauca.
Conclusion: A high prevalence of goiter, iodine deficiency and intrauterine growth restriction was observed in minority ethnic groups of Colombia. The highest prevalence and risk was observed in the department of Cauca.
Keywords: goiter, iodine deficiency, pregnancy, indigenous, afro descendants, intrauterine growth restriction, social determinants