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  • Title: An operations research study on salt consumption behaviour with respect to its iodine content.
    Author: Bansal RK.
    Journal: Indian J Matern Child Health; 1995; 6(3):80-3. PubMed ID: 12346503.
    Abstract:
    In India, a cross-sectional operations research study was conducted on salt consumption behavior with respect to iodine content in Borsad, Israma, Karamsad, Patlad, Rangaipura, and Sandeshar communities in Borsad, Petland, and Anand talukas of Kheda district. Only 32 (3%) of the 1084 families used iodized salt. Its use was not correlated with family income or literacy. The cost of iodized salt was much greater than non-iodized salt (Rs. 2-3.5 vs. Rs. 0.75-1). Consumers, shop-owners, and manufacturers did not know the advantages of iodized salts and the range of iodine deficiency diseases. Thus, they bought and/or sold the cheaper non-iodized salt. No health personnel or agency had ever told them about the advantages of iodized salt. When they heard about the advantages during the study, however, some immediately purchased iodized salt. 5.3% and 15.6% of iodized salt samples at shops and in families, respectively, had an iodine content less than the recommended level of 15 parts per million. The prevalence of iodine deficiency disorder in Gujarat ranges from about 5% to 68%. These findings reflect the need for health education for consumers, health workers, national health officials, shop-keepers, and salt manufacturers about the advantages of iodized salt. The iodine content of salt samples should be tested and effectively monitored at the source, distribution points, and in the kitchen. Shop-keepers and salt manufacturers need to be convinced to sell iodized salts simultaneously, which should bring down the cost of iodized salt, a constraint to consumption.
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