Iodine Nutrition Status and Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior in Tehranian Women Following 2 Decades Without Public Education

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of iodine nutrition status and knowledge, attitude, and behavior in Tehranian women after 2 decades without updating public education.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingEight health care centers from 4 district areas of Tehran.ParticipantsA total of 383 women aged ≥ 19 years, randomly selected.Main Outcome MeasuresIodine concentration of 24-hour urine samples, iodine content of household salts, and knowledge, attitude, and practice scores regarding iodine nutrition and iodized salt.AnalysisMultiple logistic regression was used to identify the association of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores with urinary iodine concentration (UIC) < 100 μg/L.ResultsThe percentages of Tehranian women with high knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 26%, 26%, and 14%, respectively. Practice score was significantly different between females with UIC < 100 and > 100 μg/L (P = .001). Risk of UIC < 100 μg/L in women of childbearing age (19–45 years) after adjustment of education level, region of residence, and iodine content of salt was significantly associated with intermediate practice score (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–13.2).Conclusions and ImplicationsMarginally suboptimal iodine status in women of childbearing age can be attributed to inappropriate practices, but not to knowledge and attitude.