Prevalence of Iodized Salt Intake and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Status of Pregnant Women Visiting Bishoftu Hospital and Health Center for Antenatal Care

Abstract

Iodine is an essential mineral for normal thyroid function, mammary gland development, and fetal and infant neurological growth. It is a trace element essential to human and animal health, and present in uneven and mostly insufficient quantities in the environment around the globe. Iodine deficiency disorders are among the major public health problems of the world, particularly in pregnant women of developing countries. In Ethiopia about 15.4% of households consume sufficient iodized salt. This study was designed to assess iodized salt intake and assess iodine nutrition status, to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practice of iodine nutrition and to asses goiter rate of pregnant women attending Bishoftu clinic for antenatal care in Bishoftu town. The study participants (n=208) was randomly selected. Data over socio-demographic, and knowledge, attitude and practice about iodized salt was collected by interview. Goiter was assessed by palpation and graded according to the WHO guideline. In addition, spot urine sample was collected and the level of urinary iodine was determined following the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Iodine level in salt samples was determined by following iodometric titration methods. The prevalence of goiter was 8.7% (Grade 1 = 7.7% and Grade 2 = 1%). The median urinary iodine concentration was 194.3μg/l. The consumption of adequately iodized salt was 89%. This study was indicated as there was no problem of iodine deficiency in the study area.