Disparity between High Iodised Salt Usage and Knowledge of Iodine Nutrition in Pregnancy among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The micronutrient Iodine is essential throughout life especially during fetal brain development. The deficiency of which is deemed the single most important cause of preventable mental retardation. Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) is manifested in infancy and childhood, which are primarily influenced by low iodine levels in pregnancy. Using iodised salt is a key to ensure elimination of IDD, for which the knowledge and awareness of iodised salt are of prime importance. The study was aimed to determine the knowledge of iodine nutrition and its association with awareness and usage of iodised salt among pregnant women living in eastern UP. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted through random sampling on 200 pregnant women at the regional women’s hospital, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to assess knowledge. Scores and descriptive statistics were analyzed, bivariate analyses were employed to describe and determine the association among variables. Mean age of respondents was 25.23 ±3.75. The majority of the population belonged to the lower middle (38%) and upper lower class (36%). Nearly half had heard of the nutrient ‘Iodine’ and 37% self-reported usage of iodised salt whereas usage as per brand was 81%. The mean knowledge score was 1.53. Three-fourths of the respondents (74.5%) had a low level of knowledge and a quarter of the respondents (25.5%) had a high level of knowledge. These scores were significantly associated with socioeconomic status, usage of iodised salt (both self-reported and brand used) and with an awareness of iodine as an essential nutrient and its deficiencies (p<0.05). The study shows a significant disparity between knowledge of iodised salt, its use and actual consumption, which can be attributed to successful Universal Salt Iodisation; however, the disparity highlights the need for strategic awareness schemes in women of reproductive age.