Individual- and community-level factors associated with the presence of adequate iodized salt in households in Bangladesh: a multilevel modelling approach
2024

Factors Affecting Iodized Salt in Bangladeshi Households

Sample size: 61242 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Iqramul Haq, Md Ismail Hossain, Md Rukonozzaman, Md Jakaria Habib, Tithy Tanha Akther, Md Amit Hasan, Salma Akter, Md Rayhan Ali Rejvi, Giash Uddin M Sheikh, Md Mizanur Rahman Sarker, Wagnew Fasil, Ashis Talukder

Primary Institution: Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, BRAC University, Jagannath University, Debre Markos University, Australian National University, Khulna University

Hypothesis

What individual and community-level factors influence the presence of adequate iodized salt in households in Bangladesh?

Conclusion

The study found that education, wealth, and community media exposure significantly influence the adequacy of iodized salt in households.

Supporting Evidence

  • The prevalence of iodine adequacy in household salt was found to be 57.8%.
  • Rural areas have a lower concentration of iodine compared to urban areas.
  • Women with higher education levels are more likely to consume iodized salt.
  • Households in wealthier quintiles have better access to iodized salt.
  • Community-level media exposure positively influences iodized salt consumption.
  • Disparities in iodine adequacy exist across different divisions in Bangladesh.
  • Women aged 15-19 are less likely to have adequate iodine in salt compared to older women.
  • Households with no child deaths have higher iodine adequacy.

Takeaway

This study shows that richer and more educated families in Bangladesh are more likely to have enough iodized salt at home, which is important for health.

Methodology

The study used data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and applied multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Limitations

The study did not assess the actual practice of using iodized salt or community education levels.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 61,242 households from various socio-economic backgrounds across urban and rural areas in Bangladesh.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 57.4 to 58.2

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/inthealth/ihae016

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