Knowledge And Practices Regarding Iodized Salt Utilization Amongst Pregnant Women at The Ga East Municipality in The Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to iodine deficiency due to the fetus's greater need for iodine, and increased renal excretion of iodine during pregnancy. Severe iodine deficiency presents as goiter (maternal hypothyroidism), and neurological issues, such as mental retardation and neurological cretinism (deafness, mutism, squint, and mental deficiency), which irreversibly damage the fetus, resulting in a lower intellectual quotient and reduced learning capacity in the developing child. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and practices regarding iodized salt utilization among pregnant women at the Ga East Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Additionally, the study sought to identify challenges faced in accessing and utilizing iodized salt and propose practical interventions to mitigate this public health issue. Methodology: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey approach among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Ga East Municipality. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed and quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using STATA analytic software (StataCorp. 2007. Stata Statistical Software. Release 18. StatCorp LP, College Station TX, USA) Results: This study involved a total of 394 pregnant women with a 93.4 % response rate. The mean age of the participants was 30.19 (± 4.99). From the study, 42.9% of respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding the utilization of iodized salt. Additionally, 64.7% of respondents demonstrated good practices in using iodized salt. The analysis also showed that education (p<0.001) is statistically associated with knowledge of iodized salt among pregnant women. Conversely, Income (p = 0.168), Trimester (p = 0.514), Number of Children (p = 0.611), Religion (p = 0.158), and Residence (p = 0.58) are not significantly associated with knowledge or level of ix awareness of iodized salt utilization. Again, the study highlighted challenges such as financial constraints, limited availability, family preferences, and cultural beliefs as significant barriers to the consistent use of iodized salt and also the association between knowledge and practice, thus, Knowledge (p< 0.232) was not significantly associated with practices regarding iodized salt utilization. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study provide insights into the awareness, practices, facilitators, and challenges related to iodized salt utilization among pregnant women. The study found that 42.9% of respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding the utilization of iodized salt, and 64.7% of respondents demonstrated good practices in using iodized salt. However, challenges such as financial constraints, limited availability, family preferences, and cultural beliefs were identified as significant barriers to the consistent use of iodized salt. The Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health should implement a comprehensive public health education campaign focused on the benefits of iodized salt and addressing significant barriers to its utilization and access to knowledge related to iodized salt.