ASSESSING IODIZED SALT USE IN RURAL NORTHERN GHANA A MIXED METHOD APPROACH

Abstract

Iodine deficiency disorders are a major public health concern affecting an estimated 2 billion people worldwide. As part of efforts to achieve the Universal Salt Iodization goal, the Government of Ghana launched the Universal Salt Iodization program backed by an act of parliament to oversee the attainment of this goal. Notwithstanding these efforts, iodine consumption amongst households and individuals is generally low in the Northern region especially in the Gushegu district. We therefore assessed the current iodine coverage and utilization in households and also determined the causes of low iodine use in this district. A mixed method approach of both quantitative and qualitative designs was employed. A quantitative descriptive cross sectional survey was first used to assess current iodized salt coverage, utilization and causes of low iodized salt use in households. The second design was a qualitative Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews conducted to give an in-depth inside of the causes of low iodized salt use. Rapid salt testing to determine iodine levels was conducted in all the households. In total, 100 household cooks were interviewed whiles 4 focus group discussions and 7 key informant interviews were conducted. Household iodized salt utilization and coverage was around 20%. Approximately 54% received education on iodized salt whiles 97% were unaware of the law on salt iodization. Reasons for the low use of iodized salt included; high cost and non-availability of the iodized salt, not received any education on the importance of iodized salt and ignorance of the law on iodization of salt. Iodized salt coverage and use in households and knowledge levels of the importance iodized salt is low in this district. High cost and unavailability of iodized salt coupled with ignorance of the law amongst others are responsible for the low use of iodized salt in this district.