AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATELY IODIZED SALT AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS TO IODIZED SALT USE AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE HOHOE MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA
Margaret Kweku, Wisdom Takramah, Phyllis Atta Parbey, Wisdom Kudzo Axame, Mohammed Takase, Martin Adjuik and Elvis Tarkang*
ABSTRACT
Background: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are a major public health concern affecting an estimated 2 billion people worldwide. In order to eliminate IDDs, the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) regulations mandate salt for human and animal consumption to be iodized. This study was a baseline assessment in four selected rural field sites on the current iodized salt availability and utilization in households and factors contributing to low iodized salt use in the Likpe sub-Municipality of Hohoe municipality. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional baseline survey involving 260 households from four rural communities. A systematic randomized sampling technique was used to select households. Data was collected from household heads using structured questionnaires and rapid field iodine test kits. Descriptive statistics was used for proportions and t-test for difference in means. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to assess the associations between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value
[Full Text Article] [Download Certificate]