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Background Iodine deficiency disorder is a significant public health problem, affecting both developed and developing nations worldwide. It is associated with poor body growth and irreversible mental retardation. However, little is known about the spatial distribution and determinants of household iodized salt utilization in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the spatial distribution and determinants of iodized salt utilization at national level. Methods Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data was used to investigate the spatial distribution and determinants of household iodized salt utilization in Ethiopia. ArcGIS 10.6 and SaTScan™ version 9.6 software were used to explore the spatial distribution and detect significant clusters, respectively. The odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined for potential determinants included in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression model. Results Household iodized salt utilization was spatially clustered in Ethiopia (Moran’s Index = 0.076, p -value = 0.01). The significant hotspot areas with high iodized salt utilization were located in Benishangul, Amhara, Gambella, Tigray and Northwest Oromia regions. Significant cold spot areas (areas with low iodized salt utilization) were found in Somali, and East Afar regions. Those households with higher education level ((Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] =1.49, 95% CI =1.14–1.93), high community level education (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03–2.20), middle wealth index (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.65) and high community media exposure (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.07–2.17) had higher odds of iodized salt utilization. Conclusions Household iodized salt utilization had significant spatial variation across the country . Both household and community level variables were found to be associated with household iodized salt utilization in Ethiopia. Therefore, increasing the education level, wealth status and community media exposure is recommended to improve iodized salt utilization in a country. A targeted intervention is also needed for those regions with low household iodized salt utilization.

Background There is no country in the developing world where iodine deficiency is not a public health problem including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess inadequate utilization of iodized salt and associated factors at household level in woreda 11 Nifas Silk Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with multistage sampling technique on 348 household respondents. The data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and an iodine rapid test kit. The data were edited, cleaned, and entered using Epi-data version 4.6.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors for inadequate utilization of iodized salt. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval. Results A total of 348 household respondents were participated. The amount of iodine content in salt 0 ppm, < 15ppm and > 15ppm were 11.8%, 7.2% and 81.0% respectively. Total inadequate utilization of iodized salt was 19%. Using unpacked salt [AOR; 0.50 (95%CI: 0.27, 0.93)], using a container without a lid [AOR; 0.29 (95%CI: 013, 0.63)], and having insufficient knowledge [AOR; 2.10 (95%CI: 1.14, 3.86)] were all significantly connected with using inadequate iodized salt. Conclusions Iodized salt utilization was inadequate. Using containers without a lid, unpacked salt, and poor knowledge were associated factors. There should be a provision of adequate knowledge about iodized salt, a proper storage and handling.

Introduction Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are a significant global public health issue that affects the physical and mental development of every age group, with children and nursing mothers being the most vulnerable. Approximately 50 million of approximately 2 billion people with iodine deficiency (ID) globally exhibit clinical symptoms. Identifying iodine levels using various techniques is important when considering treatment choices. Screening programs and early ID diagnostics are crucial for the follow-up of pregnant women, especially in iodine-deficient nations. There have been calls for universal salt iodization programs, but only approximately 71% of people have access to them. The problem is more common in developing nations; however, there is a shortage of literature on the individual-, family-, and community-level factors influencing iodized salt use in East Africa. This study aimed to investigate individual- and community-level factors of household iodized salt usage in East Africa. Methods Using Stata 17, this study used the most recent demographic and health survey datasets from twelve East African countries. The survey included a weighted sample of 154,980 households. To assess factors related to iodized salt use in the region, bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regressions were used. P values less than or equal to 0.2, and < 0.05 were used in the binary regression, and to deem variables statistically significant in the final model respectively. Results About 87.73% (95% CI = 87.56,87.89) households have utilized iodized household salt. Secondary and above education (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.17–1.30), household heads with ages of 25–35 years, 36–45 years (AOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.12,1.28), 36–45 years (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09,1.24), and more than 45 years (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.11,1.25), lower and middle wealth (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.76,0.89) and (AOR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81,0.93), media exposure (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07–1.14), female household leaders (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04–1.12), access to improved drinking water and better toilet facility (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI = 2.18–2.35) and (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.44,1.56), larger than five family members (AOR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93–0.99), high community level wealth (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.27–1.87), and low community education(AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.33,0.49) were statistically associated with utilization of iodized household salt in East Africa respectively. Conclusion In East Africa, household salt iodization is moderately good. To expand the use of iodized salt in the region, access to improved drinking water and toilet facilities, participating family leaders, using the opportunity of family planning services, media sources, and the improvement of the community’s socioeconomic level are all needed.

Mali is one of the poorest countries in Africa, with 72% of its population surviving on less than $US 1.00 per day. Health and demographic indicators are bleak. With few exceptions, studies related to the health of women in Mali have largely been under-represented. In addition, in recent years a new type of malnutrition stemming from weight gain and obesity has been observed throughout Africa. The present study aimed to (i) describe geographic and health variations of women of reproductive age, (ii) describe geographic variations of household salt iodine levels and (iii) investigate potential factors associated with women’s anthropometric status and use of adequately iodized salt among households in Mali. Demographic and Health Survey data, multistage-stratified cluster sampling methodology. Rural and urban areas of Mali. Non-pregnant women (n 6015) between the ages of 19 and 44 years. Nineteen per cent of the women were overweight or obese while 11% were underweight. Seventy-eight per cent of the households utilized adequately iodized salt. Underweight women were more prevalent in southern Mali, while obesity was more frequent in the north-east and within the major urban areas. Households located within the southern parts of Mali were more likely to utilize adequately iodized salt. Education, age, modern contraceptive use, breast-feeding status at time of the survey and household wealth index were significantly associated with the women’s BMI or households’ use of adequately iodized salt. The combined use of statistical and geographic system analysis contributes to improve targeting of interventions among vulnerable populations.

Background/Objectives: With the rising trend of out-of-home dining in China, the use of iodized salt (IS) in eating-out venues plays a key role in preventing iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). However, the coverage rate of iodized salt (CRIS) and the utilization rate of adequately iodized salt (URAIS) in these venues in China remain underexplored, potentially undermining IDD prevention strategies. This study aims to assess the CRIS and URAIS in such venues across China and identify the factors influencing their prevalence. Methods: From 2021 to 2024, a nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in China, involving 19,346 venues. A 50 g sample of cooking salt was collected from each venue, and the iodine content was measured. The CRIS and URAIS were calculated, and associations with various factors were assessed using Chi-square tests, the Cochran–Armitage trend test, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 19,346 samples, 18,519 tested positive for IS, and 17,588 contained adequately iodized salt (AIS), resulting in a CRIS of 95.7% and a URAIS of 90.9%. Significant regional differences were found, with coastal areas showing a lower CRIS and URAIS than inland areas (87.0% vs. 97.8%; 81.0% vs. 93.2%) and urbanized areas having lower rates compared to less urbanized areas (94.1% vs. 97.3%; 88.9% vs. 92.9%). Higher per capita income was associated with a lower CRIS and URAIS (Z = −19.72, p < 0.0001; Z = −13.85, p < 0.0001). Lower per capita income (OR = 3.24, OR = 1.36, p < 0.0001), inland areas (OR = 4.14, OR = 2.68, p < 0.0001), and mountainous areas (OR = 2.48, OR = 1.27, p < 0.0001) were associated with a higher likelihood of IS and AIS use. Conclusions: While the CRIS and URAIS in dining venues meet national standards, regional disparities persist, particularly in coastal, plain, and economically advanced areas. Strengthening regulatory oversight and public education on iodized salt’s health benefits is essential.

This study assessed household utilization of adequately iodized salt and its associated factors in Kilwa district, Tanzania, where utilization remains low, especially in areas with local salt production. Using a cross-sectional design, 493 households were systematically sampled and interviewed, with 14 local salt producers purposively recruited for in-depth interviews; onsite iodine rapid tests and laboratory analyses determined salt iodine content. Results showed only 9.4% of households used adequately iodized salt. Factors significantly associated with utilization included family size of five or fewer members (AOR = 3.49; 95% CI: 1.62–7.54), good knowledge about iodized salt (AOR = 4.97; 95% CI: 2.04–12.11), storage of salt in dry areas (AOR = 4.44; 95% CI: 1.51–13.07), exposure of salt to sunlight (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.10–0.85), and salt staying less than two months (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.10–5.00). Key reasons for low availability of iodized salt included poor protection at production sites, supply of non-iodized salt, lack of training for local producers, community preference for non-iodized salt, and presence of multiple local salt producers. The findings indicate that the prevalence of iodized salt use is very low in Kilwa, with factors such as family size, knowledge, storage practices, sunlight exposure, and salt duration influencing utilization. The study recommends intensified government awareness campaigns to improve knowledge and practices related to iodized salt use, alongside interventions to enhance salt quality and availability at production sites.

Background Community health workers are widely used to provide care for a broad range of health issues. Since 2003 the government of Ethiopia has been deploying specially trained new cadres of community based health workers named health extension workers (HEWs). This initiative has been called the health extension program. Very few studies have investigated the role of these community health workers in improving utilization of maternal health services. Methods A cross sectional survey of 725 randomly selected women with under-five children from three districts in Northern Ethiopia. We investigated women’s utilization of family planning, antenatal care, birth assistance, postnatal care, HIV testing and use of iodized salt and compared our results to findings of a previous national survey from 2005. In addition, we investigated the association between several variables and utilization of maternal health services using logistic regression analysis. Results HEWs have contributed substantially to the improvement in women’s utilization of family planning, antenatal care and HIV testing. However, their contribution to the improvement in health facility delivery, postnatal check up and use of iodized salt seems insignificant. Women who were literate (OR, 1.85), listened to the radio (OR, 1.45), had income generating activities (OR, 1.43) and had been working towards graduation or graduated as model family (OR, 2.13) were more likely to demonstrate good utilization of maternal health services. A model family is by definition a family which has fulfilled all the packages of the HEP. Conclusions The HEWs seem to have substantial contribution in several aspects of utilization of maternal health services but their insignificant contribution in improving health facility delivery and skilled birth attendance remains an important problem. More effort is needed to improve the effectiveness of HEWs in these regards. For example, strengthening HEWs’ support for pregnant women for birth planning and preparedness and referral from HEWs to midwives at health centers should be strengthened. In addition, women’s participation in income generating activities, access to radio and education could be targets for future interventions.

The purpose of this community service is to increase sales turnover and expand the thread filter technology technique. The method of implementing the service activities in this program aims to improve the welfare of the people who work as salt farmers who previously processed salt using traditional techniques. Therefore, this service activity desires to develop and apply the latest technology, namely Thread Filter and/or Geomembrane (plastic), to provide solutions to salt farmers in developing their business in an easier and more modern way which increases the quantity and quality of the salt produced. Besides, through this service salt farmers are also trained on how to process salt into nanoparticles, as a good product for skin care. Thus, the salt production process will be easier and faster and the benefits obtained by salt farmers will be higher. In this service activity, it will focus on traditional salt farmers to be able to switch and apply the technology of thread filter (TUF) or Geomembrane (plastic) as a process of making salt easily and competently for the community. The results showed that using Thread Filter Technology (TUF) was able to produce results of four to five tons after using geomembrane. Previously without using TUF farmers from the village were only able to produce three tons of salt. The prospect of salt farm business is profitable when applied the techniques of TUF or geomembrane. Finally, the salt farmers can earn income significantly.

Introduction Adequate iodine fortified salt is the most common and effective method of preventing iodine deficiency. Studies showed households using iodized salt (15 Parts Per Million (PPM) to 80 PPM) of iodine at household level were low in Tigray region and other regions of Ethiopia. Limited studies have conducted on utilization of iodized salt at the household level and none of them did not addressed on factors affecting to proper iodized salt utilization. The aim of this study was to determine the iodine concentration in the collected salt samples, adequately iodized salt consumption coverage and identify factors affecting to proper iodized salt utilization amongst the households of Northern Ethiopia. Methods Community based cross-sectional designs on selected 318 household food caterers were interviewed and salt samples were accordingly collected. Data was analyzed by the SAS-9.2 statistical software package. The iodine concentrations of the salt samples were determined by using the golden standard iodometric titration technique. Logistic Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) statistical analysis method was used to assess factors affecting proper iodized salt utilization at household level. Results Adequately iodized salt coverage among the households was only 51 (17.5%). About 42 (14.38%) had 15 ppm (ppm) – 80 ppm, 9 (3.08%) had > 80 ppm, 188 (64.4%) had 1.1 ppm to 14.9 ppm and 53 (18.2%) had no iodine in the salt (0 ppm). Only 26 (8.9%) of the households had used iodized salt properly. Family size with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) (0.82) and 95%CI [0.67, 0.92], residency of the household with AOR (2.83) and 95%CI [1.48, 5.40], the availability of iodized salt with AOR (3.90) and 95% CI [1.74, 8.7] and affordability to iodized salt with AOR (3.33) and 95% CI [1.41, 7.34] was strong predictors to proper iodized salt utilization. Conclusions Coverage of adequately iodized salt was low. Family size, residency, availability and affordability of iodized salt were the predictors of proper iodized salt utilization. To enhance USI utilization effective inspection and regulatory measures should be taken to prevent the production and distribution of under/ over iodized salt in the market.