Assessment of adequately iodised salt consumption in Telangana state, India

Abstract

Background: Salt used in the household is the most common way for iodine fortification to prevent the public health concerns of iodine deficiency disorders. The objective of the study was to assess household coverage with adequately iodized salt in Telangana State, India. Methods: Secondary data published in the District Level Household and Facility Survey-4 is analyzed. Results: Overall, 55.7 percent of the households were using cooking salt which was iodized at the recommended level of 15 ppm or more. Around 60.8 percent of households in urban areas used salt with 15 ppm or more iodine content compared with 51.9 percent of households in rural areas though the difference was not significant. Conclusions:The coverage of adequately iodized salt in the state was below the national average. To further expand the coverage of adequately iodized salt, researchers and policy makers should take action.

Status of salt iodization, related awareness and practice at the household level in slums of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal

“…[ 15 16 17 18 ] Contrary to other studies done in West Bengal and other states of India, where non iodized salt consumption constituted a significant proportion, the present study found no households consuming non iodized salt. [ 12 13 ] An improved access to iodized salt of this deprived and poor section of the community is evident from this study, which may be attributed to continued efforts under NIDDCP to provide iodized packet salt at affordable price and a stringent ban on sell of non-iodized loose salt; however the findings also hint that only 'access to iodized salt' is not sufficient to maintain a good level of iodization at consumption.…”

“…[ 9 10 11 ] Despite these achievements, the household coverage remains well under the target of 90% which is necessary to eliminate IDDs. [ 12 ] Studies done in various parts of India and West Bengal, indicate that consumption of adequately iodized salt in different areas is not universal. [ 13 14 ] This gap in the utilization of adequately iodized salt may be due to non-availability at affordable cost, poor knowledge of iodine deficiency diseases and/or faulty storage practices.…”