Prevalence of adequately iodized salt and its determinants in Gambela district, Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundIodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are among the major public health problems for populations all over the world. Even though the recommended strategy for IDD control is universal salt iodization, little was known about availability of adequately iodized salt in Gambela region. ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine availability of adequately iodized salt and associated factors in Gambela district, Southwest Ethiopia. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2019 in Gambela district. Multistage sampling method was employed to select 422 households. A structured questionnaire and rapid test kits were data collection instruments. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify association. ResultsAbout 52.8% (95% CI: 0.47, 0.57) of households had adequately iodized salt. College diploma and above educational status (AOR=4.27, 95% CI: 1.47, 12.44), favorable attitude (AOR=5.69, 95% CI: 2.83, 11.42), walking less than 30 minutes to get iodized salt (AOR=4.69, 95% CI: 2.56, 8.60), using packed salt (AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.54, 4.93) and using covered salt container (AOR=3.93, 95% CI: 2.21, 6.98) were factors positively associated with availability of adequately iodized salt. ConclusionsThe availability of adequately iodized salt in Gambela district is very low. Enhancing community awareness about the benefit and good practice of iodized salt should be emphasized besides improving accessibility.