Prevalence of adequately iodised salt and associated factors among households in Gambela district, Southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are among the major public health problems for populations worldwide. Although the recommended strategy for the prevention of IDD is universal salt iodisation, little is known about the availability of adequately iodised salt among households in Southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of adequately iodised salt and associated factors among households in Gambela district, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A community- based cross- sectional study was conducted in July 2019. A multistage sampling method was employed to select 422 households. A structured questionnaire and rapid test kits were used as data collection instruments. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Results Approximately 52.8% (95% CI: 47, 57%) of households had adequately iodised salt. Higher educational status (adjusted OR (AOR)=4.27, 95% CI: 1.47, 12.44), favourable, favourable attitude toward iodised salt use (AOR=5.69, 95% CI: 2.83, 11.42), walking less than 30 min to buy iodised salt (AOR=4.69, 95% CI: 2.56, 8.60), using packed salt (AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.54, 4.93) and using covered salt containers (AOR=3.93, 95% CI: 2.21, 6.98) were factors positively associated with the availability of adequately iodised salt among households. Conclusions The prevalence of adequately iodised salt among households in Gambela district is very low. Therefore, enhancing community awareness about the benefit and good practice of iodised salt should be emphasised in addition to improving accessibility. Measures to improve the literacy of households also need to be underlined.