Iodine Status and Factors Associated with Iodine Status of Over-24-Week Pregnant Women who Received Iodine Supplement Tablets in the 7th Health Area

Abstract

           The Ministry of Public Health Thailand determines a benefits package under the National Health Security Act to dispense iodine supplement tablets to pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. However, there is limited information about factors associated with iodine status among the over-24-weeks pregnant women who take iodine tablets. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine iodine status factors associated with the iodine status of the over-24-week pregnant women who received iodine tablets. Totally, 3113 pregnant women were recruited for the study. The collected data consisted of the answers to questionnaires and the iodine content in urine, which were analyzed using multiple logistic regression statistics.            The results show that the median iodine content of pregnant women was 126.80 µg/L, which is lower than the World Health Organization criteria (150-249 µg/L) for median urinary iodine (UI) concentration. Factors affecting the iodine status in pregnant women with UI below 150 µg/L were being second gravida (AOR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.38) having no adherence to iodine supplements tablets, having seafood less than 3 - 4 times a week, and using iodized salt irregularly (AOR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.38). No provincial policy implementation increased the risk of iodine deficiency (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.11). Taking iodine supplement tablets greater than 150 µg/day reduced the risk of iodine deficiency by 21% (AOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.91). Therefore, the aforementioned information should be presented to the provinces to drive sustainable Iodine provincial policies. And educate Raise awareness among pregnant women about taking iodine supplements every day, including seafood. And eat iodized salt on a regular basis.