OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190702
Anthropological Perspectives on Goiter Awareness: Towards Inclusive Health Development for Middle-aged Women
Nelum Kanthilatha 1,*, Virangi Y. Senevirathna 2
1 Department of Anthropology and International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies,
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
2 Derana Macroentertainment, No. 320, T. B. Jayaha Mawatha, Colombo-10, Sri Lanka.
*Corresponding author: nelumyapa@sjp.ac.lk
Volume 19, Issue 07, Pg. 25-34, 2026
Abstract: Non-communicable diseases continue to pose a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to health education remains uneven. Goiter, a thyroid disorder resulting from iodine deficiency and recognized by the World Health Organization as a non-communicable disease, disproportionately affects women over 40. Beyond its biomedical implications, Goiter reflects broader issues of gender vulnerability, social exclusion and unequal access to health information. This anthropological study examined knowledge, awareness and socio-cultural practices related to goiter among middle-aged women (35–55 years) in the Dediyawala Grama Niladhari Division, Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. Using purposive and random sampling, 100 women were selected, including 10% diagnosed with goiter and 90% community members without the condition. Primary data were gathered through structured interviews addressing health histories, awareness of goiter, iodine intake and preventive practices, while secondary sources included epidemiological reports and research literature. Findings revealed that 75% of non-patients lacked basic knowledge of goiter symptoms, risk factors and hormonal influences. Both patients and non-patients were unfamiliar with the role of the pituitary gland in metabolism. While 80% of participants recognized iodized salt, most did not understand its connection to thyroid health. Common cooking practices, adding salt at the start of cooking, contributed to iodine loss, with only 6% of patients modifying practices as medically advised. Socio-cultural resistance, particularly concerns about taste, hindered behavioral change. Delayed medical consultation led 6% of patients to face complications requiring surgery, often after relying on herbal or ritual practices. Gendered vulnerabilities were evident, with pregnancy and menopause increasing susceptibility. The study concludes that tackling goiter requires culturally sensitive, gender-responsive and inclusive health promotion strategies. Aligning education with socio-cultural practices and leveraging social media as a trusted communication channel can enhance women’s health literacy and support sustainable development goals.
Key words: Anthropology, Cultural practices, Goiter awareness, Inclusive Health Development
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