Improving Iodine Status of Children at Rural Area in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Iodine deficiency is a major global public health problem, particularly for young children and pregnant women. According to WHO (2010), around 16 million people in Indonesia suffered from iodine deficiency. Iodine has significant roles in developing immunity and cognitive function, especially among children, who were still in the growth period. Study in Indonesia revealed that iodine deficiency disturbed intelligence growth, mainly on the school age children and caused lower learning output and school performance (Mutalazimah & Asyanti 2009). Out of 20 million people suffering from Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) in Indonesia, the IQ loss is equivalent to 140 million points (Bappenas 2004). The general objective of this study was to analyse effectiveness of nutrition promotion in improving iodine status of children at iodine endemic area. Specifically, the objectives of this study were: (1) to analyse the iodine content of salt circulated in markets and consumed by households, (2) to identify the root problems of unstandardized iodized salt circulated in markets, (3) to analyse nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of school children, mothers, and teachers, especially related to iodine, (4) to analyse iodine and other nutrients intake of children, and (5) to analyse the effects of nutrition promotion on iodine status of children, nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice related to iodine of children, mothers, and teachers. dst...