Knowledge attitude and practice on iodine deficiency disorder and iodine level in salt in retail and vendors among the rural population in south India: A community based observational and descriptive study

Abstract

BackgroundAn Iodine deficiency disorder causes a major problem of brain damage in human beings and it is a major public health problem in India and worldwide. ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding use of iodized salt among households and to find the iodine content level at the traders and retail vendors in the rural study areas of the Marakkanam block. MethodsA community based descriptive study on IDD was conducted in Marakkanam block population, Tamil Nadu with a sample size of 1233 individuals. ResultsThe goiter prevalence was high in female gender when compared with male and higher goiter prevalence rate was found in the lower economic group. Among 1233 individuals, 796 (64.6%) were heard about iodized salt, whereas 437 (35.4%) were not heard about it. Only 294 (23.8%) of the respondents were aware that iodine deficiency caused some disease or health problem. Total of 525 salt sample packets was collected at the traders' level and it that 99% of the salt samples were iodized but most of them weren't adequately iodized. ConclusionFrom our present study, we have concluded that nearly one fourth of the study population didn't have enough knowledge about IDD and its consequences. To eliminate the lack of their knowledge on IDD by conducting an effective awareness programs. Try to eradicate IDD related diseases in the study areas by encouraging the community people to use iodized salt, encourage the retail shop owners, vendors to sell an adequate iodized salt packets and by reducing the cost of the iodized salt packets through Government of Tamilnadu or private Non – Governmental Organizations.