Affiliation:
1. Department of Health Care and Sciences. Faculty of Health Sciences UiT ‐ The Arctic University of Norway Tromsø Norway
2. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences UiT ‐ The Arctic University of Norway Tromsø Norway
Abstract
AbstractAimTo investigate midwives' (MWs) and public health nurses' (PHNs) clinical practice and knowledge related to nutrition, with a particular focus on iodine in northern parts of Norway. Maternal iodine status prior to and during pregnancy, and the lactating period, is crucial for brain development and growth of the foetus and infant, from conception up until the first two years of life. In Norway, studies have documented mild to moderate iodine deficiency in this group.Design/MethodsMWs (n = 128) and PHNs (n = 154) responded to a survey regarding nutrition and iodine. Descriptive data and non‐parametric tests were used to analyse data.ResultsAround half of the participants provided dietary guidance to a great extent. Practice of iodine‐specific recommendations was lower, particularly regarding lactating women. Compared to other nutrients, iodine was not a priority.ConclusionThe study indicates a lack of knowledge and poor clinical practice about iodine among MWs and PHNs.