<![CDATA[Background: Iodine is a crucial micronutrient for cognitive and physical development, particularly in childhood. Iodine shortage in school-aged children adversely affects cognitive function and general health. Diet significantly influences an individual's iodine consumption. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the correlation between dietary patterns in school-aged children and urine iodine excretion (UIE), which reflects iodine status, in Purworejo Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Methods: A total of 211 youngsters aged 6 to 12 years were chosen for analysis. This research employed a cross-sectional methodology, gathering dietary intake data via a food frequency questionnaire and assessing UIE through spot urine samples. Dietary trends were discerned with principal component analysis (PCA) and evaluated using linear regression models. Results: This study identified three major dietary patterns, namely a staple- food, vegetable, fruit, and animal-based foods pattern; a processed-food–based pattern; and a plant-based, dairy, and sweetener-enriched pattern. After adjusting for confounders, a more diverse and nutritious diet containing staple foods and animal products was found to increase UIE levels. A diet based on staple foods, vegetables, fruits, and animal products was positively associated with increased UIE levels (p-value<0.05). A diet based on processed foods was also positively associated with increased UIE levels, although the effect was smaller (p-value<0.05). Conclusions: A balanced and healthy diet, especially one that includes staple foods and animal products, is associated with adequate iodine status in school-aged children.]]>
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