Abstract:
Background: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are among the major public health problems for populations all over the world. Even though the Recommended strategy for IDD control is universal salt iodization, little was known about availability of adequately iodized salt in addis ketema sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Objective: This study aims to assess household-level availability of adequately iodized salt and associated factors in addis ketema sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in December, 2023 in Addis Ketema sub city, Addis Ababa. Simple random sampling method was employed to select 380 households. The data were collected by using pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire; Iodine in the salt were analyzed using a salt rapid test. Data were coded and entered into SPSS version 26 for analysis. Independent variables were fit separately into a bivariate logistic model to evaluate the degree of association with the dependent variable. Then variables that have a p-value ≤ 0.25 were further analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. The strength of association was measured using AOR and 95% CI and a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Result: - A total of 380 household respondents were interviewed making a response rate of 96%. The overall percentage of households who used adequately iodized salt (>15 ppm) was 42.4%. The study found that college diploma and above and salt container shows statistical association with the availability of adequately iodized salt. college diploma and above (AOR)=0.498, 95% CI: 0.261, 0.948)].and salt container (AOR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.323, 0.820)]. Conclusion: - Even though Ethiopia has been undertaking universal salt iodization for the past five years, the availability of iodized salt in Addis Ketema sub city is considerably below the WHO standard. Educational status, salt container was factors independently associated with the availability iodized salt
