Abstract
Adequate knowledge and proper utilization of iodized salt in the household is a significant factor in the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders. This study was aimed at assessing knowledge and utilization of iodized salt and associated factors among the Fitche town community. A total of 470 individuals in the household were participated. About 58.6% of the respondents had good knowledge of iodized salt use and 52.6% use adequately iodized salt. Having higher monthly income [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.97, 95%confidence interval (CI):1.05-8.42], having family health insurance [AOR=2.57, 95%CI:1.15-5.74] and being aware of iodine deficiency consequences [AOR=1.88, 95%CI:1.03-3.40)] were significantly associated with proper utilization of iodized salt. Besides, acquiring health advice on iodized salt [AOR=2.20, 95%CI:1.10-4.40] and educational status [AOR=0.14, 95%CI:0.03-0.56] were shown significant association with the knowledge of respondents on iodized salt use. Even though knowledge of iodized salt use in the study area is higher as compared to other findings, the coverage of proper iodized salt utilization is less than the world health organization recommendation of iodized salt use in households. Therefore, promoting the knowledge and utilization of iodized salt should be strengthened. Additionally, routine testing and monitoring for iodine levels in salt sold in the markets and used by households have enormous benefits.
Highlights
Iodine is an essential micro-nutrient and dietary mineral which is required for human growth, development, and maintenance of normal levels of thyroid hormone synthesis [1]
This study demonstrated that more than half, 58.6% of the respondents have good knowledge of the benefit of iodized salt use
The difference could be due to iodine deficiency has been recognized as a major public health problem in Ethiopia as compared to other countries where the studies have been conducted
Summary
Iodine is an essential micro-nutrient and dietary mineral which is required for human growth, development, and maintenance of normal levels of thyroid hormone synthesis [1]. According to a new global report on iodine status, the number of countries where iodine deficiency is a public health problem has halved over the past decade. The problem of iodine deficiency was recognized as a major public health problem affecting billions of people with less developed countries affected more than the rest of the world [6]. Insufficient daily consumption of iodine causes a range of functional and developmental abnormalities collectively known as Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) [1]. This Disorder refers to all the ill-effects of iodine deficiency including mental retardation, goiter, reproductive failures such as abortions, congenital abnormalities and stillbirths, mental retardation, impaired mental function [9] hypothyroidism, intellectual disability, psychomotor defects, hearing, and speech impairment [3].
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