Household Salt Iodine Content Estimation and its Association with Salt Storage and Usage Practices

Introduction: Iodine plays a vital role in human growth and development. Iodine deficiency remains a significant public health issue worldwide. Although India has implemented universal salt iodization, inadequate iodine intake may still occur due to poor storage and handling practices at the household level. Objectives: To estimate the iodine content in household salt, examine its association with storage and usage practices, and assess awareness about iodized salt among women of reproductive age. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2015 and September 2017 in 15 villages of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka, India. Using stratified sampling, 1,200 households were selected. Information on salt storage and usage was gathered through interviews. Salt samples were tested on-site using spot iodine testing kits. Awareness was assessed among 1,478 women of reproductive age. Results: All households reported using iodized salt, and 96 had salt with adequate iodine levels (15 ppm). Inadequate iodine content was significantly associated with exposure to heat (pConclusion: While the use of iodized salt was nearly universal, improper storage practices compromised iodine retention. Public health efforts should focus on promoting proper storage at the household level and strengthening quality assurance in salt distribution systems to ensure consistent iodine intake across the population.