Publication:

A cross sectional study on proper use of iodized salt in communities of rural areas and its relevant factors in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Background The coverage of adequately iodized salt in old Andhra Pradesh was 63.6%, which is below the national average. Despite of high coverage rural households were less likely to consume adequately iodized salt. Objectives were (1) to find out the use of iodized salt and practices among community and knowledge regarding iodine deficiency diseases (2) to test salt at the household level to assess level of iodine.

Methods Community based cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2016 in RHTC, Maddipadu, Prakasam district. Proportionate households from four villages of this area were interviewed for the purpose of study. Factors related to use of iodized salt in the communities like type of salt using in houses, storage practices, practices during cooking, knowledge regarding iodine deficiency disorders were assessed. The salt was tested for iodine using iodine rapid test MBI kits. The data was collected using pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS 22.0 version.

Results Most of households (68.5%) were between 25-50 years age, 68% wives were illiterate and 48.5% wives involved in labor work. Majority (83.6%) of the families were using iodized packed salt, 75% had adequately iodized salt with ≥15 ppm and 25% with inadequate iodized salt <15ppm. Association between illiterate wives and poor knowledge regarding iodized salt found to be significant (p<0.005).

Conclusions Specific education regarding proper storage, handling, duration and the importance of iodized salt needs to be implemented to increase community awareness and to focus on behavior change communication to bring positive attitude toward utilization of iodized salt.