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Erschienen in:
01.06.2010 | Original Article
Knowledge and practice regarding iodized salt among retail shopkeepers and extent of iodization of salt sold at the retail level in urban slums of Cuttack city in Orissa, India
Erschienen in: Journal of Public Health | Ausgabe 3/2010
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Background
Iodine deficiency is the single most significant cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation. Disseminating knowledge regarding hazards of iodine deficiency and benefits of iodized salt and universal salt iodization is essential to ensure elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.
Objective
The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and practice regarding iodized salt among retail shopkeepers and the extent of iodization of salt sold at the retail level in urban slums of Cuttack city.
Methods
Using a stratified random multistage cluster sampling design, a cross-sectional study involving 314 retail shops selected randomly from 59 slums of Cuttack city was conducted. A predesigned pretested schedule was used to get relevant information and salt iodine was estimated qualitatively by using a spot testing kit and quantitatively by the iodometric titration method. A chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of proportions.
Results and discussion
About 51.6% of retailers in slums did not have any knowledge regarding the benefits of iodized salt. The majority of retailers were selling crystalline (loose) and powdered (loose) salt which had an iodine content <15 ppm, i.e. inadequately iodized. Most of the retailers were engaged in faulty practice of storing salt in uncovered gunny bags/plastic containers outside the shop, which results in loss of iodine due to exposure to heat and humidity. Thus, sincere efforts are required to impart knowledge among all of the retailers about various aspects of iodized salt and to adequately iodize all types of salt consumed by the people which will help in curbing this public health menace.