Iodine deficiency is public health problem in the world especially in developing countries. Thernmain aim of this study was to assess iodine status in school children aged between 6-12 years and its determinant factors. Cross sectional study design was conducted in Kindo Didaye district on March 2014. Two stage cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants. Onernhundred twenty one children and their corresponding mothers/caregivers were involved in study.rnSocio demographic and economic characteristics, mothers/caregivers knowledge about iodizedrnsalt and food habits of children were assessed through a face-to-face interview technique.Spotrnurine sample was taken to measure urinary iodine concentration using ammonium persulfatern(method A), physical examination of goiter was made as per the criteria of WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD and salt samples were collected to assess iodine content by rapid testrnkits. Descriptive (frequency and percent) and inferential analysis (binary and multiple variablernlogistic regression and independent sample Ttest) were performed to analyze data. Total goiterrnrate and median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of children was 38% and 51.2ug/lrnrespectively. Only 30% of households use iodized salt. Asbinary logistic regression analysisrnindicated gender, salt iodine content, place of purchase salt and cassava consumption werernassociated with goiter rat. In multiple variable logistic regression analysis being male had lowerrnrisk of goiter (odds ratio(OR) of 0.284(0.113,0.712) at 95% confidence interval than female.rnChildren consuming salt with iodine content of 15ppm. Source of purchase salt from shop were (OR ofrn0.311(0.1,0.962) less likely to had goiter when compared with retail salt from open market. Thernresults of goiter rate and UIC obviously indicate that the problem of iodine deficiency was severe in study area. The observed degree of goiter rate and urinary iodine concentration in children and available quantity of iodized salt in K/Didaye district needs urgent action to combat iodine deficiency.rnrnKEYWORDS: Iodine deficiency; goiter; school age children; K/Didaye district.