Evaluation of Iodine Content In Commercially Available Table Salts and Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Retailers and Consumers In Selected Area of Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Iodine is a crucial trace element for human nutrition that is very important for the secretion of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency disorders are caused by inadequate iodine intake. Iodination of table salt is one of the universally used methods to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders and thyroid-related diseases. Iodine content levels in table salt can vary during iodination for a variety of reasons. The main aim of this study is to determine iodine content in commercially available table salts and assess of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of retailers and consumers in Jimma town, South West Ethiopia. The iodine content of different salt samples was determined by rapid test kit and iodometric titration and semi-structured questionnaire was used for the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of retailers and consumers. Statistical analyses were analyzed using the software, Statistical Package for the Social Science version 26 and results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The content of iodine in the studied salt samples determined by iodometric titration was found between 35.37 ± 0.25 mg/kg to 82.05 ± 0.67 mg/kg. The highest iodine content was obtained in Koketi (82.05 ± 0.67 mg/kg) and the least iodine content was found in Afar salt (35.37 ± 0.25 mg/kg). Rapid test kit analysis showed that the iodine content in Koket, Liq, and Jimmiti is greater than 15 mg/kg, while the iodine content in Jimma, NM iodized salt, Abay, and Afar is less than 15 mg/kg. Shaga, Barta, and Gold showed no iodine content. The World Health Organization recommends that iodine be added to salt as a public health measure to prevent iodine deficiency. The recommended iodine content in iodized salt is at least 15 mg/kg but not more than 40 mg/kg. Regarding iodized salt usage, storage, and practice, a total of 90 participants (60 consumers and 30 retailers) were assessed for knowledge, attitude, and practice, the majority of consumers and retailers responded that they do not have awareness about the health benefits of iodized salt. According to the result, most of the people selected from the study area had poor Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice.