Evaluation Of Quantity And Access Of Iodised Salt Using Titration Method In Arsi Zone, Oromiya, Ethiopia 2018: Community Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: Progress towards the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders via salt iodization programmes has been used for over 60 years. The aim of this study was evaluating the quantity and access of iodized salt used at household level and available at headquarters markets. Methods: A community based cross sectional study design was applied. Simple random sampling method was used to select districts and towns. A total of 1200 households (HHs) were selected with systematic random sampling. Salt samples were collected from each HH and from these, 120 samples were randomly selected for laboratory analysis. Additionally, 24 edible salt samples were collected from different 8 headquarter markets for lab analysis. Salt samples were tested using titration method. Ethiopian public health institute (EPHI) food and nutrition laboratory was responsible lab analysis. Results: The test result for samples taken from HHs showed that 46 (38.33%) samples allowable in standard limit, 73 (60.83%) over standard limit and 1 (0.8%) blow standard limit. A total of 119 (99.1%) HHs had met their requirement of iodine per person per day. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were 45.29+14.47 mg/kg (parts per million). Sample salts collected from the market contained iodine was 9 (37.5%) standard limit and 15 (62.5%) above standard limit. T test for households’ salts had 5.29 mean difference and statistically significant with international standards (40 parts per million) p=0.011). Conclusion: Edible salt test was standard, and results were reliable. More than 99% iodised salt had provided adequate (150 μg) of iodine per person per day. This study outcomes encourage us to take future study on mid urine iodine concentration (MUIC) among children at the same community will provide adequate information. So, a premature evaluation and monitoring iodine quantity in salt during production and distribution shall be altered to sustain obtained good progress to prevent and control Iodine Deficiency Disorders.