Educational Program to Increase Awareness and Prevent Iodine Deficiency and Related Disorders in Adolescents Across Europe

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a study called EUthyroid2 to develop and implement educational programs in schools across the UK, Germany, Slovenia, the Republic of Cyprus, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The goal is to raise awareness about the risks of iodine deficiency, which is a major preventable cause of thyroid problems and developmental issues in children. This project focuses on adolescents aged 13 to 17 years and aims to reduce the impact of iodine deficiency in these populations. The study implements an educational intervention using materials such as the Iodine Feedback Tool, lectures about iodine and health, booklets, exercises, group assignments, and a dedicated webpage. Each participating country will apply the intervention in three types of schools secondary, high, and vocational schools. The intervention and its effects will be measured at three time points before the program starts, 2 to 4 weeks after, and again 6 to 8 months later. Participants will be involved through baseline and follow-up questionnaires assessing their awareness of iodine deficiency and their iodine intake. Teachers and students will also take part in online surveys and semi-structured interviews to evaluate the implementation process. The study will analyze changes over time and differences between school types, genders, and age groups. Overall, the study duration for each participant spans from the initial assessment to the last follow-up several months later.

The Next Step Towards the Elimination of Iodine Deficiency and Preventable Iodine-related Disorders in Europe