A Study on the Knowledge and Practice of use of Iodized Salt among the slum dwellers of Guwahati City, Assam.

Dr. Shashanka Shekhar Chakraborty; Dr. Jutika Ojah; Dr. Kumaril Goswami

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2018

A Study on the Knowledge and Practice of use of Iodized Salt among the slum dwellers of Guwahati City, Assam.

Dr. Shashanka Shekhar Chakraborty, Dr. Jutika Ojah, Dr. Kumaril Goswami

Abstract :

Background: Iodine is considered to be one of the most essential micronutrient for the normal physical and mental development of human being. Globally, India has the largest number of children born vulnerable to iodine deficiency Aims: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices of use of iodized salt among the slum population of Guwahati City, Assam Settings and Design: Cross sectional study was conducted among 400 households of slum area of Guwahati City, Assam. Materials and Methods: A pretested and pre designed proforma was used for collection of information. Results: It has been seen from the survey that among the households under study, 84.25% have heard about iodized salt. It has been found that television and radio (89.6%) have been the most effective source of information regarding iodized salt. In our study, 24.5% of respondents believe that every salt contains iodine. Conclusions: Based on the observations we would like to come in a conclusion that people must be made aware of the importance of iodine in the diet to ensure physical & mental well-being, especially for expectant mothers and young children.