Determinants Of The Use Of Iodized Salt Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic At The Kaneshie Polyclinic

ABSTRACT

Introduction Iodine is an important micronutrient which is poorly consumed globally. There are three (3) main micronutrient deficiencies which are of Public Health significance; thus, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, (IDA), Vitamin A deficiency and Iodine Deficiency Disorders, (IDDs). Iodine deficiency particularly in pregnancy is a global problem of Public Health importance. Severe deficiencies of iodine, particularly in pregnancy increases risk of cretinism, stillbirth, miscarriage, low birthweight, and impaired cognitive development of the unborn baby. The general objective of this study was to find out factors associated with the use of iodized salt, among pregnant women, attending Ante-Natal Clinic at the Kaneshie Polyclinic in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, from May-June 2015. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of the use of iodized salt among pregnant women, and also to find out factors influencing the use of iodized salt among pregnant women. Methods The respondents consisted pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Kaneshie Polyclinic. A sample size of 400 was used for the study, using the random sampling technique, whereby each member had an equal chance of being selected. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire with closed ended questions. Stata (version 13), was used for the data analysis.

Logistic Regression was used to determine factors significantly associated with iodized salt use / consumption and presented as Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals

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Results The findings of the study revealed that, there are some factors influencing the use of iodized salt. Generally, majority (71.0%) of the respondents indicated exclusively using iodized salt, even though their knowledge on it‘s benefits, as well as problems associated with non-use was quite low as compared to the fact that individuals were aware of the availability of iodized salt. Factors such as Educational level, Cost, Availability, were found not to be associated with the use of iodized salt, as compared to the factors of Knowledge ( health benefits of using iodized salt, and health problems associated with not consuming iodized salt), Taste, as well as Employment Status (socio-economic) which had association with iodized salt use. Conclusion / Recommendations The study found iodized salt consumption to be relatively high, (71%), among the respondents (pregnant women), even though rate has not met global WHO standard, which requires 90% household usage of iodized salt. Public health education on iodized salt use among the general population and particularly this crucial target group of pregnant women, needs to be intensified by health professionals, health institutions and organizations, as well as stakeholders, thereby helping achieving Millenium Development Goals four (4) and five (5). Iodine status assessment should be included in routine antenatal care.