What is a goiter? ... some young Tajik women were about to find out!

The term goiter simply refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. One of the most common causes of goiter formation worldwide is iodine deficiency. A goiter indicates there is a condition present which is causing the thyroid to grow abnormally.

A lesson on goiter was presented to young Tajik women aged 18 to 22 and samples of salt from their homes were tested for the presence of iodine. The following are some of the responses written after the lessons were completed:

"Thank you for testing our salt. The salt from our house had no iodine in it and we didn't know it. After the lesson, we will throw the old salt away and use only iodized salt."

"We now understand why iodine is important. Now we understand why some people have swelling in their necks. Before, we didn't know why there was a swelling in the neck or that it could be prevented and treated."

"I am very happy. I understand that we must be careful regarding our health."