Abstract:
Background: Iodine is essential for normal growth, development, and functioning of the body. Since only
minute amounts are required each day, it is known as a micronutrient. Iodine deficiency is the most
common cause of preventable mental impairment worldwide. According to 2011 Ethiopia Demographic
and health survey only 15 percent of households were utilizing iodized salt in Ethiopia.
Objectives: To assess level of iodized salt utilization and its factors at household level in Gimbi town, west
Ethiopia, 2014
Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 31 to April 4,
2014 to assess level of iodized salt utilization and its associated factors in Gimbi town. A simple random
sampling technique was employed to select households to take salt samples and to select a respondent. A
total of 349 respondents were participated in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS window version
20.0. Bivariate logistic regressions analysis was used to select independent candidate variables at p-value
of 0.25 for multivariable logistic regression. All variables with p value less than 0.05 were used to declare
statistical significance association.
Result: Inadequate utilization of iodized salt (<15 parts per million) in the study area was218 (62.5%).
Having poor knowledge (AOR=5.76,95% CI :1.86, 17.82), exposing salt to sunlight
(AOR=6.65,95%CI):2.36, 18.73), household with lower income(AOR=10.45 ,95%CI:2.05, 23.27),
perceived susceptibility to goiter(AOR=0.22,95%CI:0.05,0.89) and having exposure to mass media about
iodized salt (AOR=4.6, 95% CI: 1.76, 12.18) were independent predictors of inadequate utilization of
iodized salt at household level.
Conclusion: Inadequate utilization of iodized salt at household level was high when compared with WHO
recommendation. The utilization of iodized salt was influenced by Knowledge, exposing salt to sunlight
status, household income, perceived susceptibility to goiter and having exposure to mass media about
iodized salt. Hence, there is a need to undertake electronic mass media in order to aware the importance of
iodized salt and its proper handling at the household level
