Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is a very serious public health problem especially in the developing world. Bangladesh is also having this problem. According to a survey conducted during 1993, 69% the Bangladeshis are suffering from different manifestations of IDD starting from slight mental retardation to cretinism. To tackle the problem, Bangladesh introduced compulsory salt iodination at the factory level. Nevertheless, the extent of consumption of iodised salt has not been well studied. The objectives of the present study were to assess the extent of consumption of iodised salt, identification of the reasons for non-use, and assessment of the socioeconomic inequalities in the consumption of iodised salt in a rural area. The information was collected through cross-sectional survey during 1997-98. Data were collected through cross sectional survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). A total of 20,246 households were included in the study. Twenty FGDs were carried out.
The survey revealed that 1.6% of the households used iodised salt. Availability of locally produced cheaper non-iodised salt in the market was one of the reasons for low consumption- lack of knowledge about the benefit of iodised salt was responsible. Household economic status and women’s education had a positive influence on iodised salt use. However, living in a salt producing area was related to more use of non-iodised salt.
Universal salt iodination was not benefiting the people in the salt producing coastal belt area. Special measures need to be taken to improve this situation.
Learning Objectives: Positive impact of any health policy should be assessed in terms of expected outcome. This should also be done with an equity focus for the benefit may not reach all segments of the population equally
Keywords: Health Law, Food and Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.