Abstract:
Background: Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal human growth and
development as it is needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones produced by thyroid glands.
Iodine deficiency is a severe public health problem in low-income countries like Ethiopia and is
more common among pregnant due to increased physiological need during pregnancy. However,
there is limited data on the study area on the prevalence and associated factors among pregnant
women in Southern part of Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of goiter and associated factors among pregnant women in
Lemmo Woreda, Hadiya Zone, South and central Ethiopia from February 2 to March 1/2018.
Methods and Materials: A facility based cross-sectional study design was used among 422
pregnant women. Systematic sampling technique was used to select the study samples. Data
were collected by pretested structured questionnaire and goiter examination was done clinically
for each participants. The collected data were coded and entered onto Epi-data version 3.2
software and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Variables having p value < 0.25 during
bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression model
to control for all possible confounders and to identify factors associated with goiter .Adjusted
odds ratio along with 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association between
variables of interest .Level of statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of goiter among pregnant women was 32.10% [(AOR= 32.10%, 95
%CI: (27.70%-36.20%)]. Lack of formal education [(AOR= 1.01, 95%CI: (1.05-8.50)], cabbage
consumption [(AOR= 4.45, 95%CI: (1.39-14.46)], using iodized salt stored at home for more
than 2 months after purchasing [(AOR= 3.00,95%CI: (1.24-7.06)] and having poor knowledge
about iodized salt and how to prevent iodine deficiency disorder [(AOR= 2.70,95%CI: (1.06-
6.70)] were significantly associated with goiter.
Conclusion: prevalence of goiter among pregnant women was 32.1% which was found to be
severe iodine deficiency. Goiter among pregnant women was more common with lack of formal
education, cabbage consumption, storing salt more than two month once purchased and having
poor knowledge towards IDDs. Improved access to foods rich in iodine and intake of iodized
salt, health education on the importance of iodized salt, the proper way of use and the prevention
way of iodine deficiency highly recommended to reduce the problem.
