Table 2 Knowledge and perceptions of household food caterers about iodized salt and iodine-deficiency disorders
Question/Responses | n (%) |
|---|---|
Heard about iodized salt | Â |
Yes | 253(90.4) |
No | 27(9.6) |
Source of information about iodized salt | Â |
Radio | 101(39.9) |
Friends/relatives | 68(26.9) |
Television | 42(16.6) |
Health workers | 42(16.6) |
Why intake of iodized salt is important? | Â |
To cure goitre | 92(32.9) |
To remain healthy | 88(31.4) |
To prevent iodine-deficiency disorders(IDDs) | 65(23.2) |
To grow well | 26(9.3) |
Better than other salt | 2(0.7) |
Do not know | 7(2.5) |
The result of cooking with un-iodized salt | Â |
Goiter/swollen thyroid glands | 194(69.3) |
Low blood level | 30(10.7) |
Stunted growth in children | 24(8.6) |
Growing lean/thin | 22(7.9) |
Do not know | 5(1.8) |
Others | 5(1.8) |
Every salt contains iodine | Â |
Yes | 78(28.0) |
No | 202(72.0) |
Salt obtained from the sea already contains iodine in the right quantities to support human growth and ensure optimal health | Â |
Yes | 116(41.0) |
No | 164(59.0) |
Iodine deficiency can expose children to mental retardation | Â |
Yes | 162(58.0) |
No | 118(42.0) |
Iodine deficiency can lead to growth retardation | Â |
Yes | 140(50.0) |
No | 140(50.0) |
Iodine content reduces when iodized salt is not stored in enclosed containers | Â |
Yes | 159(57.0) |
No | 121(43.0) |
Taste of iodized salt is different from that of common salt | Â |
Yes | 167(60.0) |
No | 113(40.0) |