Iodized Salt Consumption Practices and Iodine Status in the Rural Adult Population Near Chennai, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite initiatives, the lack of understanding and improper usage habits for iodized salt are still prevalent. This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu to assess the amount of iodine in the salt consumed, determine dietary iodine consumption, urinary iodine concentration, and understand the knowledge and practices related to iodized salt usage.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed and validated to assess knowledge and practices of procuring, storing salt, and cooking practices. A standard field-testing kit was used to estimate the salt's iodine level, and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines values were taken for adequacy of iodization. Per capita consumption of salt was calculated by dividing the monthly purchase by family members partaking and iodine intake was calculated from a three-day dietary recall using the US FDA database. Spot urinary samples were collected to estimate the Median Urinary Iodine Concentration (MUIC).

Results: Out of 650 households, 79% procured packaged salt; 40% were not aware of iodized salt; and 50.4% felt that consuming iodized salt is not important. The majority (91%) of the subjects added iodized salt at the beginning of cooking, 95% covered the storage container, and 32% exposed the salt to heat. Around 31% used uniodized or inadequately iodized salt. More than a quarter (27%) of them had the MUIC in the deficient range.

Conclusion: A third of the population continues to use inadequately iodized salt, and the awareness of IDD and the importance of iodized salt is low.