A Study to Assess the Iodine Level in the Salt and Salt Preservation Practices among Homemakers of Selected Households at Mangaluru Hafeez Reziya1,*, Leena K.C.2, Ananda S.3, Rodrigues Devina E.4 1MSc. Nursing, Department of Community Health Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte 2HOD, Department of Community Health Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte 3Asst. Prof., Department of Community Health Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte 4HOD, Dept. of Research, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India *Corresponding Author: Ms. Reziya Hafeez, MSc. Nursing, Department of Community Health Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018 e-mail: reziyahafeez@gmail.com Contact No.: 7624993886, 7006215813
Online published on 23 December, 2019. Abstract Background Salt iodization is an accepted fact worldwide to correct the deficiency of iodine. It is a long chain of transport of iodized salt from the manufacturing site to the consumer's home. During the process, it is said that around one quarter to half proportion of fortified iodine can lose. Objectives The descriptive study assessed the iodine level in the salt and salt preservation practices among homemakers. Materials and Method Iodine Spot Testing Kit was used to assess the iodine level in the salt and an observational checklist (9 items) and a self-reported rating scale (6 items) on the salt preservation practices was used to collect data from homemakers. Results 32 (31.06%) of salt samples were moderately iodized with iodine level of 7–14 ppm. Most of the households, 62 (60.2%) were practicing inappropriate salt preservation practices. There is a significant association of salt preservation practice scores with age (χ2 = 16.45, p = 0.001), education (χ2 = 44.57, p = 0.001)and experience in managing the kitchen (χ2 = 38.53, p = 0.001). Conclusion IEC activities can play a great role to improve the knowledge of homemakers regarding appropriate salt preservation practices. Top Keywords Iodine, salt preservation practices and iodine in salt. Top |