Iodine Content Of Salt Research Articles

Factors Associated with Household Iodised Salt Use and Iodine Deficiency Among Nepalese School Children Aged 6-9 Years

Iodine deficiency is one of the world’s leading causes of delay in cognitive growth of children, and remains a public health problem, particularly in low-income countries including Nepal. This current study used cross-sectional data to examine factors associated with iodine deficiency and household iodised salt among Nepalese children. The source of data was the 2016 Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (NNMSS). Household iodised salt and urinary iodine were examined (by using and multivariate statistical models that adjust for clustering and sampling weights) against a set of non-biological and eating habits factors of 1153 Nepalese children aged 6-9 years. The mean household salt iodine concentrations (in ppm) in the Eastern, Central, Western, Mid-Western and Far-Western were 1.15 ± 1.6, 9.6 ± 2.6, 43.5 ± 12.9, 69.1 ± 3.7 and 85.6 ± 3.9 respectively. The corresponding median iron status of the children (and interquartile range IQR) in μg/l were 299 (177.6-569.2), 387.8 (197-604.8), 357.7 (203.8-566.7), 239.2 (140.3-493.1) and 238.5 (114.1-397.5) respectively. The likelihood of iodine deficiency was significantly higher among children from the Mountain ecological zone compared with those from the Terai zone [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.03, 1.49)]. Children who consumed dark green leafy vegetables were significantly less predisposed to iodine deficiency compared with those who did not [AOR: 0.87; 95% CI: (0.77, 0.99)]. The likelihood of household iodised salt use was significantly lower among children from the Far-Western region compared with those from the Eastern region [AOR: 0.81; 95% CI: (0.68, 0.97)]. The use of iodised salt was significantly more likely among children from rich households compared with those from poor households [AOR: 1.19; 95% CI: (1.06, 1.33)]. The likelihood of iodised salt use was significantly higher among households where children consumed meat compared with those in which children did not consume meat [AOR: 1.07; 95% CI: (1.01, 1.15)]. Among the development regions, it is only the Mid-Western region where household iodine concentration among the children was less than 75%. Appropriate interventions should be put in place to improve this situation. Interventions to improve household iodised salt use should target should also target children from poor households and those from households where children did not consume meat.

Nutritional status of iodine in pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents assisted at the Family Health Strategy in Vespasiano, MG

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the nutritional status of iodine in pregnant adolescents, taking into account the increase in the demand for iodine during pregnancy and the absence of iodization strategies for this population. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted with 62 pregnant and 71 non-pregnant adolescents assisted in primary care. The nutritional status of iodine was determined by urinary samples. The iodine concentration in the consumed culinary salt was also evaluated. For the comparative analyses of categorical variables, the Chi-square test was used and for the continuous variables, the Kruskal-Wallis test, considering a 95% confidence interval (CI) and significance level of 5%. Results: the mean iodine concentration in household salt was 25.1 mg/kg (CI95%= 11.1-67.5 mg/kg), with higher mean content in culinary salt in the group of pregnant women (p<0.028). Regarding the nutritional status of iodine, 71% of pregnant adolescents were deficient and 29% iodine-sufficient, with significant difference when compared to 38% of deficiency and 62% of sufficiency in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions: there was an iodic deficiency among pregnant adolescents, even in the face of higher concentrations of iode in household salt, exposing a paradox between higher consumption and lower sufficiency in this group. Thus, it is suggested to consider iodine supplementation during pregnancy, seeking to minimize the effects of this deficiency on maternal and child health.

Antioxidant Activity and Combination Characteristics of Filtrates and Sargassum polycystum Seaweed Salt Residue

Antioxidant Activity and Combination Characteristics of Filtrates and Sargassum polycystum Seaweed Salt Residue

People's Knowledge and Practice of Salt Iodization, as Well as the Assessment of Iodine Content in Salt in the Cumilla Region of Bangladesh

Aim: To evaluate the household iodine content and knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding salt iodization among the residents of Cumilla, Bangladesh.
 Subjects and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 700 inhabitants in Cumilla's urban and rural areas to determine the iodine concentration of salt they consume. The participants were asked about what they know about iodine deficiency and salt iodization as well as how their salt was packaged and stored. Among them, 338 people provided a sample of salt to be tested of its iodine content by the titrimetric method.
 Results: 46.57% of people knew that iodization was the best way to prevent iodine deficiency while 35.14% considered salt iodization during purchasing. Most people stored salt in plastic boxes (89.7%) and closed containers (84.14%).Among all participants, only 37.14% of people were aware of the iodine requirement during pregnancy.
 In urban regions, the median iodine content was 36.76 ppm (OR=0.658, 95% CI, 0.469-0.925), while in rural areas, the median iodine content was 40.92 ppm (OR=1.188, 95% CI, 1.022-1.380). Iodine levels were less than 15 ppm (minimum limit) in 6.8% of samples and greater than 40 ppm (maximum limit) in 56.5%. Only 36.7% of the salt samples contained adequate iodine.
 Conclusion: An effective and consistent approach for controlling iodine concentration in distributed salt is required at Cumilla, Bangladesh.

Результати епідеміологічних досліджень поширеності йододефіцитних захворювань у Республіці Узбекистан

Актуальність. Незважаючи на проведені заходи, що спрямовані на ліквідацію йодної недостатності, Республіка Узбекистан (РУз) залишається зоною значної поширеності йододефіцитних захворювань. Мета дослідження — вивчення динаміки поширеності йододефіцитних захворювань серед населення в РУз. Матеріали та методи. Поширеність йододефіцитних захворювань серед школярів РУз вивчалася з урахуванням рекомендацій Всесвітньої організації охорони здоров’я. Були проаналізовані такі показники, як поширеність дифузного зоба, йодурія, споживання йодованої кухонної солі. Дані порівнювалися з результатами досліджень попередніх років. Результати. Згідно з показниками йодурії, частка тяжкого дефіциту йоду (менше 20 мкг/л) знизилася з 94,4 % у 1998 році до 21,4 % у 2004 році, до 1,9 % — у 2010 і 2016 роках. Оптимальний рівень споживання йоду (понад 100 мкг/л) збільшився від 0 % в 1998 році до 46,3 % у 2004 році, до 63,7 % — у 2010 і до 76,3 % — у 2016. Порівняльний аналіз поширеності дифузного зоба I і II ступенів показав, що частка даного захворювання становила загалом 72,8 % в 1998 році, 58,8 % — у 2004, 40,2 % — у 2010 і 28,6 % — у 2016. Висновки. Значну роль у прогресі в галузі профілактики йододефіцитних захворювань у РУз відіграв ухвалений у 2007 році закон «Про профілактику йододефіцитних захворювань». Незважаючи на проведені широкомасштабні заходи, дані щодо вмісту йоду в кухонній солі і сечі, отримані у 2016 році, свідчать про те, що 25 % населення РУз все ще залишаються в стані йодного дефіциту.

Performance evaluation of Iodine Deficiency Disorder control Program in Mandya District

Background: Considering the burden of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in our country, Government of India has an exclusive national health program to prevent it from becoming a major public health concern. To attain its objectives, National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP) undertakes routine evaluation of the Program all over the country. Aim & Objective: To determine the prevalence of Goitre, to estimate Iodine content in salt samples and Iodine excretion in urine samples of schoolchildren aged between 6 to 12 years in Mandya district. Settings and Design: A cross sectional institutions based survey was conducted among schoolchildren from the villages in selected clusters of Mandya district. Materials and Methods: Probability Proportional to Size sampling method was used to select 30 clusters. 90 children aged between 6 to 12 years from each cluster were screened. Salt Iodine content was ascertained by Iodometric titration method and urinary Iodine excretion was estimated by Sandell-Kolthoff method. Statistical analysis used: Frequency, proportions and mean were calculated and inferential statistics were used. Results: Prevalence of Goitre was 4.4%, with higher prevalence among girls. 49.8% salt specimens lack adequate iodine (<15ppm) at household level. Median UIE was 164 Micrograms /litre. Conclusions: As per the impact indicators, IDD is not a public health concern in Mandya district as of now.

Assessment of the Impact of Salt Iodisation Programmes on Urinary Iodine Concentrations and Goitre Rates: A Systematic Review

Introduction Two main strategies are currently recommended for the prevention and control of iodine deficiency in the world: implementation of universal salt iodisation programmes and permanent monitoring of iodine consumption by the population. Although iodine intake and coverage iodised salt have increased in the world population, iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) may still be a public health problem in a few countries or communities. Objective To assess the impact of salt iodisation programmes on urinary iodine concentrations and goitre rates in the world population. Methodology. A systematic review based on the PRISMA method. We obtained articles from Scopus, Science Direct, MEDLINE databases, and other sources between March and April 2020, without limitation of dates. “Iodisation” AND “urinary iodine concentrations” AND “goitre” in English, Portuguese, and Spanish without filters and clinical trial, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included in this review. Results Of 479 abstracts, twenty-three were eligible. Coverage on iodised salt was in the range of 16 to 98%, and 11 studies had been sufficient, whilst eight studies had adequate iodine concentration in salt and three excess. 81.8% of studies that had an adequate median of UIC had a good impact in their respective salt iodisation programmes. Conclusion After 18 years of salt iodisation programme implementation in the 13 countries, the majority achieved sustaining elimination of IDD whilst all had adequate median UIC; however, more detailed studies are still needed to confirm that all communities are equally protected of IDD.

Prevalence of Iodine Insufficiency Is High Among Pregnant and Lactating Women in Northern Bangladesh Three Decades After Initiating Mandatory Salt Iodization

Prevalence of Iodine Insufficiency Is High Among Pregnant and Lactating Women in Northern Bangladesh Three Decades After Initiating Mandatory Salt Iodization

Salt Used for the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) in Rural Schools of Limpopo Province, South Africa, has Adequate Levels of Iodine.

Background Salt iodisation is considered the most effective long-term public health intervention for achieving optimal iodine nutrition. Effective salt iodisation is a prerequisite for the sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders. The aim of this study was to determine iodine concentration of salt used for the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 359 food handlers from Vhembe and Mopani districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The questionnaire was administered to solicit data on demographic information, general questions on salt fortification, and iodine nutrition knowledge. After the interviews, two tablespoons of salt used for the NSNP food preparation was collected from 318 schools in small zip-lock plastic bags. The salt samples were coded and stored at room temperature and protected from light and moisture until the time of analysis. Salt iodine concentrations were determined at the North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom by means of the iCheck test method. Results The median iodine concentration of both Mopani (31.65 ppm) and Vhembe (32.56 ppm) districts signified adequate iodine levels. Of 318 salt samples, 113 (71%) samples in Mopani and 104 (65%) in Vhembe had an iodine concentration of 15–64 ppm. A few (6%) food handlers in Mopani and almost half (45.9%) in Vhembe could correctly identify iodated salt as the main source of iodine. Almost half of the food handlers (%) in Mopani and 36.5% in Vhembe did not know which part of body needs iodine for functioning. Conclusion More than 20 years after the implementation of the USI program, the result of the study shows that the international goal of 90% coverage is still far from being realised.

Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) among School Going Children in Rural Areas of Bangalore

Spectrum of IDD includes simple goitre to debilitating problems like mental retardation, psychomotor defect and still birth. School-age children of 6 to 12 years are considered as an important target group for surveillance of IDD because they are highly vulnerable, easy to access, and also their applicability in a variety of surveillance activities. The objective of the study was to estimate prevalence of goitre among school children of rural areas of Bangalore urban district and to estimate the urine iodine excretion and the salt iodine content in a sub sample. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among school going children of rural areas of Bangalore Urban district. Cluster sampling method was used to select in 30 villages. A sample of 90 children was selected from each village. All 2703 children were examined for goiter, 540 salt samples and 270 urine samples were collected for iodine estimation. Goitre prevalence in the study population was 33%. Maximum prevalence of goitre was observed in ≥10 years age group followed by 8-9 years and 6-7 years age group and equally distributed among boys and girls. The Median Urine Iodine (MUI) levels detected were 12.5 mg/l and median salt iodine detected was 27.5 ppm. The total goitre rate is above 5% in the children surveyed between 6-12 years age group indicating the district is endemic for goitre. The goitre grade 1+2 prevalence is ≥30% indicating a severe public health problem with current adequate nutritional iodine intake.

Assessment of iodine nutrition of schoolchildren in Gonda, India, indicates improvement and effectivity of salt iodisation.

To study the total goitre rate (TGR), urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and salt iodine content among schoolchildren in a previously endemic area for severe iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). Cross-sectional epidemiological study. The study was carried out in the Gonda district (sub-Himalayan region) of North India. Nine hundred and seventy-seven schoolchildren (6-12 years) were studied for parameters such as height, weight, UIC and salt iodine content. Thyroid volume (TV) was measured by ultrasonography to estimate TGR. The overall TGR in the study population was 2·8 % (95 % CI 1·8, 3·8). No significant difference in TGR was observed between boys and girls (3·5 % v. 1·9 %, P = 0·2). There was a non-significant trend of increasing TGR with age (P = 0·05). Median UIC was 157·1 μg/l (interquartile range: 94·5-244·9). At the time of the study, 97 % of salt sample were iodised and nearly 86 % of salt samples had iodine content higher than or equal to 15 part per million. Overall, TGR was significantly lower (2·8 % v. 31·0 %, P < 0·001), and median UIC was significantly higher (157·1 v. 100·0 μg/l, P < 0·05) than that reported in the same area in 2009. A marked improvement was seen in overall iodine nutrition in the Gonda district after three and a half decades of Universal Salt Iodisation (USI). To sustainably control IDD, USI and other programmes, such as health education, must be continuously implemented along with putting mechanisms to monitor the programme at regular intervals in place.

Impact of knowledge, attitude, and practice on iodized salt consumption at the household level in selected coastal regions of Bangladesh

Impact of knowledge, attitude, and practice on iodized salt consumption at the household level in selected coastal regions of Bangladesh

Do salt storage practices affect the iodine content of salt? - A school-based study in North India

Introduction: In India, IDD has been identified as a public health problem. At present best source for iodine supplementation is iodinated salt in the form of "Iodised Salt" containing potassium iodide (KI) and "Iodated Salt" containing potassium iodate (KIO3). Objectives: To find out salt storage practices in the houses and association of storage practices and iodine content. Methods: From 1st to 5th standard children (age group 6–12 years) were the “sampling units.” The required sample was selected by “Multistage sampling” by doing a sub-sampling. The sample size (N) calculated was 879. However, a total of 950 participants were included in the study. To check on spot salt storage practices, 70 families of school children were visited. The iodine content of salt samples was tested with spot testing kit (STK). Results: Out of 950 students, most of them (92.1%) used to take powdered salt. Out of 915 salt samples, collected, 79.0% samples were iodized and only 16.1% of salt samples had &gt;15 ppm iodine content. Salt was kept in containers in 36 (51.4%) houses, but only 6 (8.7%) families were using airtight containers. The percentage of nil iodine was highest in open packets (35.7%). As the distance of salt storage from chullah increased, the level of iodine content was also improved. Conclusions: School children and their families should be told about the importance of taking adequately iodized salt and to follow correct salt storage practices. Sustained IEC activities should be carried out more vigorously to sensitize the students and community.

Iodine supplementation for pregnant women: a cross-sectional national interventional study.

Although Iran has been considered iodine replete since 2000, the first national survey of iodine intake among Iranian pregnant women in 2014 indicated that despite the adequate intake of iodine by the general population, this vulnerable group has moderate iodine deficiency. Therefore, in this national cross-sectional interventional study, we aimed to assess the iodine intake and thyroid function of Iranian pregnant women 2 years after implementing national iodine supplementation for this vulnerable group. In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a national interventional survey of pregnant women. A total of 1200 pregnant women (400 women from each trimester) from 12 provinces of Iran were recruited from the antenatal care clinics from October 2018 to March 2019. The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC), as an indicator of iodine status in three spot urine samples, was measured, along with the serum total T4 (TT4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), and iodine content of household salt. The mean age of the cohort was 28 ± 6.2years, with the mean gestational age of 22.7 ± 13.0weeks. The overall MUIC (IQR) of pregnant women was 188µg/L (124.2-263µg/L). Also, the MUICs in the three trimesters of pregnancy were 174µg/L (110-254), 175µg/L (116-251), and 165µg/L (114-235), respectively. The MUICs ≥ 150, 100-149, and < 100µg/L were found in 63, 19.8, and 16.2% of the subjects, respectively. The mean TT4 level was 12 ± 4.5µg/dL, and the median (IQR) level of TSH was 2.37 mIU/L (1.66-3.18 mIU/L). According to our local reference range, 118 (10.5%) pregnant women had subclinical hypothyroidism, 6 (0.53%) women had isolated hypothyroxinemia, and 65 (5.7%) women were TPO-Ab positive. Also, the median (IQR) level of Tg was 10.08µg/dL (5.7-20.4µg/dL), and the median iodine content of household salt was 29.6µg/g; the iodine content was ≥ 30µg/g in 85% of household salt. The results showed that more than 95% of households were under iodized salt coverage. The results of this study indicated that iodine supplementation with at least 150µg of iodine per day improved the iodine intake of pregnant women. Except for subclinical hypothyroidism, the prevalence of clinical hypothyroidism, clinical/subclinical thyrotoxicosis, TPO-Ab positivity, and isolated hypothyroxinemia decreased significantly, which emphasizes the importance of iodine supplementation during pregnancy.

Factors associated with the consumption of table salt with inadequate iodine concentrations: a population analysis at a Peruvian household level.

Iodine deficiency is a public health problem, especially in Peru, where it affects women of childbearing age and school-age children. The objective of the study was to conduct a household-level analysis of the factors associated with the consumption of table salt with inadequate amounts of iodine in Peru. Analytical cross-sectional study using Peruvian household-level data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey. Table salt iodine concentrations were considered as the dependent variable ('inadequate' with iodine levels <30 PPM and 'adequate' with levels ≥30 PPM). The association between iodine concentrations in salt and independent variables was evaluated using crude and adjusted log-binomial regression models. Peru. A total of 25 007 households were included. In Peru, 21·8 % households had inadequate table salt iodine concentrations. Belonging to the poorer and poorest wealth index, living in the Highlands natural region, and living with women of childbearing age with native mother tongue were identified as factors associated with inadequate iodine concentrations in table salt. There is an urgent need to ensure that table salt with adequate iodine concentrations is available for poor populations, residents of the Highlands and households with ethnic presence. Likewise, it is necessary to promote good storage practices, greater regulation/law enforcement and better monitoring of the companies that manufacture or sell this product. Furthermore, the population needs to be informed of the disorders associated with iodine deficiency.

Excessive intake of iodine and low prevalence of goiter in school age children five years after implementation of national salt iodization in Shebedino woreda, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIodine is a trace element required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The multiple effects of iodine deficiency on human health are called iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). IDDs have been common nutritional problems in Ethiopia. In 2012, Ethiopia launched a national salt iodization program to address IDDs. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of this program after 5 years by measuring urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and prevalence of goiter in school age children as well as household salt iodine concentration (SIC).MethodsA school-based cross-sectional design was employed. After ethical approval, 408 children from eight randomly selected primary schools provided urine samples. UIC was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). A 10 g salt sample was collected from each household of a sampled child. SIC was analyzed with a digital electronic iodine checker (WYD, UNICEF) and goiter was assessed by palpation.ResultsThe mean (±SD) age of the children was 9 ± 2 years. The prevalence of goiter was 4.2% and no child had grade 2 goiter. The median (IQR) UIC was 518 (327, 704) μg/L and UIC ranged from 3.1 to 2530 μg/L. Of the salt samples, 15.6% were not adequately iodized (< 15 ppm), 39.3% were adequately iodized (≥15 to ≤40 ppm), and 45.1% were > 40 ppm. SIC ranged from 4.2 to 195 ppm. Of the mothers, 92% said iodized salt prevents goiter and 8% mentioned prevents mental retardation.ConclusionsIn 2017 iodine deficiency was no longer a public health problem in the study area. However, the high variability in UIC and SIC and excessive iodine intake are of great concern. It is vital to ensure that salt is homogenously iodized at the production site before being distributed to consumers.

Evaluation of Factors Affecting Thyroid Levels and its Relationship with Salt Iodine to Suggest the Way Forward!

Background:In India, 42 million people suffer from thyroid diseases. One in 10 adults suffer from hypothyroidism. Although coverage of iodized salt utilization has increased after universal salt iodization, we are yet to achieve the goals of NIDDCP for which the present study was planned to identify the hidden factors. The aim is to identify the factors affecting thyroid hormone levels, their association with salt iodine content and suggest strategies for improvement based on patient perceptions.Methods:A hospital based prospective follow up study was conducted among 140 patients, with an in depth interview and testing of salt iodine content. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.Results:96 (69%) patients were of age 18–35 years. 129 (92%) were females, 120 (86%) were from rural areas, 95 (68%) were literate, 116 (83%) were unemployed, and 115 (82%) were of low socioeconomic status. Most of them had poor cooking practices and dietary habits. The T3, T4, and TSH levels were within the normal range in 84 (60%) patients. Only in 28 (20%) salt samples, the iodine content was adequate. The association between factors like intake of inadequately iodized salt (P < 0.01), rural distribution (P < 0.05), illiteracy, presence of the comorbid conditions (P < 0.0001), and thyroid hormone abnormality was found to be statistically significant.Conclusion:The factors that adversely affect thyroid levels were higher age, female gender, rural distribution, comorbid conditions and patients with low salt iodine were prone to abnormal levels. Monitoring salt iodine content, training of health care workers to create awareness were the key strategies proposed for improvement.

Knowledge and practices of iodized salt utilization, health consequences, and iodine concentration on dietary salts at retailer and households in Jigjiga town, Somali, Ethiopia

To warrant adequate supplementation of iodine at the consumer level, monitoring and evaluating the concentration of iodine in salt is an essential element of a programme to eliminate iodine deficie...

Modeling of iodine consumption with industrial processed foods made with iodized salt in the adults and pregnant in Armenia and Moldova

In recent years, significant progress has been made at the global level in eliminating of iodine deficiency. However, until recently, there has been a gap in methods for estimating iodine intake with industrially processed foods (IPF) produced with iodized salt (IS). The aim of this work was to study the iodine consumption with IPF and kitchen salt by the adult population and pregnant women in Armenia and Moldova. Material and methods. For modeling iodine consumption, a special matrix based on MS Excel spreadsheets was used, into which data on the average per capita daily consumption of the main IPF, salt content in IPF, the share of IPF produced with IS in the total volume of their consumption, percentage of households using IS, and the iodine content in salt according to the national standard were entered. Results and discussion. The estimated average daily salt consumption per capita of the adult population of Armenia was 10.6 g. Due to the use of IS in 93% of households and in the production of 82% of bakery products, 7% of cheese, 83% of meat products, 44% of canned vegetables and 5% of pasta, iodine intake in adults was 149% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Bakery products and iodized kitchen salt were the main sources of iodine (66 and 70% of the RDA respectively), and the share of other IPF did not exceed 13%. In Moldova, salt consumption was 11.9 g per day. Due to the use of IS for the production of 50% bakery products, 12% of canned vegetables and 20% of pasta, iodine consumption in adults in Moldova amounted to 74% of RDA almost entirely due to bakery products and kitchen salt (37 and 35% of the RDA respectively). The median urinary iodine concentration indicated adequate iodine intake in both countries and was significantly higher in Armenia (242 μg/L) than in Moldova (136 μg/L). A planned 30% reduction in salt intake may lead to an inadequate reduction in iodine intake in pregnant women. Conclusion. Adequate iodine intake among the adult population of Armenia and Moldova is ensured mainly through the use of IS in households and in the production of bakery products.

Status of salt iodization, related awareness and practice at the household level in slums of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal

Background:Monitoring adequacy of salt iodization at consumption level and exploring the reasons for inadequacy, especially in marginalized communities, is crucial to achieve the target coverage of universal salt iodization.Aims:To assess the iodine content of salt used at household level, related awareness and practice of respondents and their socio demographic correlates.Settings and Designs:This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the slums of Burdwan Municipality in 2019.Methods and Material:A total of 330 households were selected by cluster sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated at household level semi-quantitatively by Iodine testing kit, following recommended guidelines. One respondent from each household was interviewed to assess their awareness and practice regarding iodized salt. Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test and Multivariable logistic regression was used.Results:All 330 households were using iodized salt; 77.6% were consuming adequately iodized and 22.4% were consuming inadequately iodized salts. Only 30.9% of the respondents were aware about the importance of iodized salt, few had correct practice despite inadequate knowledge and none, except one, practiced adding salt at the end of cooking. Awareness and practice were associated with caste and age of the respondents, respectively. Keeping salt container near the oven, adjusting for keeping salt in uncovered container, significantly predicted inadequate level of iodization [AOR 6.17 (95% CI: 2.68-14.26)].Conclusion:Inadequate iodization, lack of awareness regarding iodized salt and faulty storing practices amounting to increased risk of inadequate iodization are still prevalent emphasizing the need, in policy, for health education.