Abstract:
Background: Iodine is one of the vital micronutrients that allow the thyroid gland to produce
thyroid hormones, and adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is vital for the developing fetus.
This is essential for growth and development of the brain and central nervous system.
Objectives: To assess proper utilization of adequately iodized salt and its associated factors
among pregnant women in Wolmera District, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from July 15 to August 15,
2022G.C in Wolmera District, Finfine Special Zone Oromia, Ethiopia. The study participants
were selected by using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using structured
pretested questionnaires by face-to-face interview technique & the salt used at household was
tested with the rapid iodine test kit. Epi-info version 3.5.1 & SPSS version 21 were used for data
entry & cleaning, & data analysis respectively. Descriptive statistics such as Frequency table,
percent, graph, mean & standard deviation was used to describe all relevant data in relation to
proper utilization of iodized salt. Bi-variable binary logistic regression analysis was carried out at
significance (p-value less than 0.25 with 95% CI) to identify candidate variables for the final
model. Finally, variables with p-value less than 0.25 in bi-variable analyses were entered into
multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with proper utilization of
adequately iodized salt. Odds ratio alongside 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of
the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.
Results: A total of 448 pregnant women were involved in the study. The availability of
adequately iodized salt was 74.1%. The prevalence of proper utilization of adequately iodized
salt among pregnant women was 29%. Respondents who cannot write & read, can write & read
& attending primary school [AOR=0.28, 95%CI: (0.12, 0.67), AOR= 0.15, 95%CI: (0.04, 0.53),
& AOR= 0.39, 95%CI: (0.23, 0.64)] respectively, respondents heard about iodized salt
[AOR=2.62, 95%CI: (1.57, 4.39)], respondents used packed salt [AOR=3.19, 95%CI : (1.69,
6.04)], respondents were reading the packed salt when purchased [AOR=3.04, 95%CI: (1.68,
5.52)], respondents buy iodized salt [AOR=2.44 ,95%CI: (1.55,3.82)], & respondents age
interval between 15-24, 25-34 & 35-44 years [AOR=0.08, 95%CI : (0.02, 0.43), AOR = 0.11,
95%CI: (0.02, 0.54), & AOR=0.07, 95%CI : (0.02, 0.36)] respectively were statistically
significant to proper utilization of Adequately iodized salt among pregnant women.2
Conclusion: Prevalence of proper utilization of adequately iodized salt utilization remains low,
29% in the district & does not meet the national goal ≥ 90%. Results were identified as
predictors of Proper utilization of adequately iodized salt.
