Abstract
Considering iodine deficiency, researchers examine salt consumption by healthcare providers, health ambassadors and the general population in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. This cross-sectional study used validated questionnaires and tested salt samples with standardized test kits and iodometry. Analyses were descriptive and kappa-based.
This study included 3115 participants, including 812 health workers and 912 health ambassadors, as well as 1,391 households. Higher levels of iodine deficiency may be detected due to new and stricter WHO standards that was least likely to be met all participants. (Kappa=0.0793) shows poor concordance. More than 90% of participants buy bagged salt but 31-63% store salt away from light, heat, and humidity. 42-66% store their salt in dark containers. Up to 38% of health workers add salt after cooking. Only 30-63% of groups knew about iodine deficiency diseases. About 37-66 % of participants consider iodization when purchasing salt.
Our findings provide rural and urban areas face disparities, as do households and health workers. Using updated WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD standards to assess iodine deficiency led to lower compliance rates. The region can address iodine deficiency disorders with targeted interventions, awareness campaigns, monitoring, and quality control to enhance public health.