[Endemic goiter prevalence survey in Brazilian schoolchildren 6 to 14 years old, 1994-1996].

Objective: To determine the national and state-level prevalence of endemic goiter associated with iodine deficiency in schoolchildren between 6 and 14 years of age in Brazil, based on data from a national survey carried out from 1994 to 1996.

Materials: Thyroid inspection and palpation were performed on 178,774 schoolchildren between 6 and 14 years of age, in all the states of Brazil. A subsample was selected to measure the iodine content in their urine as well as the iodine content of the table salt used for cooking in their homes.