Evaluation of iodine salt intake, salt storage, and urinary iodine among the households in Markazi Province, Iran (original) (raw)

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency is known as a major nutritional health problem in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine salt intake, salt storage, and urinary iodine in households of Markazi Province, Iran, in 2014. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 440 households of 11 cities in Markazi Province in 2014 were selected through a multistage random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information about the type of salt used and awareness about salt storage. Parameters of salts were measured by taking the samples from household salt. Simultaneously, urinary iodine was measured via samples from the elementary students in the household. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Of 440 households, 225 households (58.0%) used iodized refined salt. Approximately, 60.0% of households were aware of the correct way of salt storage. The mean urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of children was 19.2 ± 18.3 μg/l. The average iodine concentration...