Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rural women from Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia concerning iodized salt, iodine and goiter (804.19)

Abstract

Iodine deficiency remains a public health problem in Ethiopia and in the study area despite a proclamation in 2011 that all salt for human consumption should be iodized. A community-based cross-sectional study assessed prevalence of goiter and KAP of 193 randomly selected women. The mean (SD) age was 25.6 (8.1) years and the mean household size was 5.7 (2.1). Of the women 48.7% had no education, 17.6% knew some reading, 25.4% had attended or completed elementary school and 8.3% attended or completed high school. Goiter was assessed in 191 women by palpation; 23% had visible and an additional 33% had palpable goiter. Of the participants, 93.8% said they didn’t use iodized salt and 87.6% didn’t know the benefits of iodized salt. Of the 24 women who reported knowing the benefits of iodized salt, 23 said it prevents goiter but none mentioned cognitive effects. The women suggested causes of goiter to be drinking dirty water, drinking tap water, drinking rain water, but only two women said lack of iodine. The only apparent source of iodine for this population was iodized salt; however the salt contained minimal and inconsistent amounts of iodine. Lack of iodized salt may be further compounded by handling, storage, and cooking techniques. Although prevalence of goiter is high and visible in the community, knowledge of causes and prevention of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) is minimal. Education and monitoring programs are required to combat IDD in Ethiopia.

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