فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

INTRODUCTION: Iodine is an essential element for thyroid function; it is necessary in minute amountsfor normal growth, development, and well‑being of all humans. There is gap in the utilization ofadequately iodized salt in the rural areas due to nonavailability, poverty, poor knowledge of iodinedeficiency diseases, and faulty storage practices.OBJECTIVE: The objective was to find out knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding iodizedsalt consumption and association of sociodemographic factors, if any, among rural women of Tripura.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This community‑based study was conducted among 270 rural womenresiding at Madhupur village, Tripura. A self‑made pretested schedule (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.7) wasused as the study tool to collect information on KAP regarding iodized salt consumption.RESULTS: Majority of the participants belonged to 31–40 years (30.4%), with a mean age of38.6 (±13.8) years; all were predominantly Hindus (90.4%). Knowledge and attitude regardingiodized salt consumption were significantly associated with age groups ≤36 years, literacy, andgeneral caste (P < 0.05), but practice was not significant (P > 0.05). Good knowledge and attituderegarding use of iodized packed salt were less than half (46.7% and 41.1%, respectively), but higherlevel (83.3%) of correct practice was found (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: The existing knowledge and attitude of participants toward iodized salt usage wereless, but majority were consuming iodized salt without knowing its benefits. Hence, there is a need toeducate rural people through nutrition education or knowledge, with active participation of grassrootlevel workers in generating awareness about the health benefits of consuming adequately iodized salt.