Iodine Intake Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Pregnant Women and its Relation to Iodine Status During Pregnancy

Previous research shows that pregnant women, due to their increased need for iodine, are among the high risk groups for iodine deficiency. This study hence aimed to evaluate the status of women’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding iodine and iodized salt intake and its association with iodine nutrition levels.
In this observational-analytical study, 100 pregnant women, residents of southern Tehran were randomly selected from five health care centers. Data collected included the general information and demographic characteristics and KAP questionnaires regarding iodized salt intake. Urine assess­men­ts of pregnant women and household salt samples were collected and evaluated.
Mean age of participants was 27.16±5.58 years, and their mean±SD knowledge, attitude and prachie scores were 62.5±20.8, 85.2±12.3, 64.7±14.3, respectively. Median urinary iodine concentrations and salt iodine content were 25.9(20.6-29.6) ppm and 109(60-160) µg/L, respectively with 74% of women consuming salt containing 20-40 ppm iodine and 29% had urine iodine concentrations ≥ 150 µg/L. Urine iodine concentration was significantly associated with practice score as well as with iodine content of salt.
Although women suffered from iodine deficiency, their KAP scores regarding iodine and iodized salt consumption were adequate. Further assessment of other personal and social factors which could affect iodine nutrition status of pregnant women is recommended.