Knowledge and Utilization of Iodized Salt and Associated Factors among Households of Fitche Town, Central Ethiopia, 2020: A Community based Cross-Sectional Study

Adequate knowledge and proper utilization of iodized salt in the household is a significant factor in the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders. This study was aimed at assessing knowledge and utilization of iodized salt and associated factors among the Fitche town community. A total of 470 individuals in the household were participated. About 58.6% of the respondents had good knowledge of iodized salt use and 52.6% use adequately iodized salt. Having higher monthly income [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.97, 95%confidence interval (CI):1.05-8.42], having family health insurance [AOR=2.57, 95%CI:1.15-5.74] and being aware of iodine deficiency consequences [AOR=1.88, 95%CI:1.03-3.40)] were significantly associated with proper utilization of iodized salt. Besides, acquiring health advice on iodized salt [AOR=2.20, 95%CI:1.10-4.40] and educational status [AOR=0.14, 95%CI:0.03-0.56] were shown significant association with the knowledge of respondents on iodized salt use. Even though knowledge of iodized salt use in the study area is higher as compared to other findings, the coverage of proper iodized salt utilization is less than the world health organization recommendation of iodized salt use in households. Therefore, promoting the knowledge and utilization of iodized salt should be strengthened. Additionally, routine testing and monitoring for iodine levels in salt sold in the markets and used by households have enormous benefits.

Exercise Professionals’ Knowledge and Understanding of Eating Disorders and Excessive Exercise

Background: Eating Disorders (ED) are complex mental health problems requiring early recognition and treatment. Exercise Professionals (EP) are in close contact with people who suffer from ED and/or Excessive Exercise (EE) and play a role in early intervention and ensuring safe behaviors. We examined the ability of EP to identify eating and exercise issues and to intervene if appropriate. Methods: Participants were recruited via anonymous online survey advertised through industry channels. A chi-square test of independence examined the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and responses to specific questions (significance level alpha=0.05). Results: Of 414 respondents, 80.4% were female, mean age 44.8 years, with 13.3 years’ work experience in the fitness sector. More than half (57.2%) did not receive any ED/EE instruction during training and the vast majority (93.0%) indicated a need of further ED/ EE education. While more than three quarters (76.3%) of respondents had suspected an ED/EE in a client, only 25.1% felt confident to address the client about this matter. Approximately one third (30.7%) of respondents reported having a personal experience of an ED and/or EE. Conclusions: These results highlight a need for better education concerning ED and EE among EP to facilitate early identification and safe industry practice.

Exercise Professionals’ Knowledge and Understanding of Eating Disorders and Excessive Exercise

Background: Eating Disorders (ED) are complex mental health problems requiring early recognition and treatment. Exercise Professionals (EP) are in close contact with people who suffer from ED and/or Excessive Exercise (EE) and play a role in early intervention and ensuring safe behaviors. We examined the ability of EP to identify eating and exercise issues and to intervene if appropriate. Methods: Participants were recruited via anonymous online survey advertised through industry channels. A chi-square test of independence examined the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and responses to specific questions (significance level alpha=0.05). Results: Of 414 respondents, 80.4% were female, mean age 44.8 years, with 13.3 years’ work experience in the fitness sector. More than half (57.2%) did not receive any ED/EE instruction during training and the vast majority (93.0%) indicated a need of further ED/ EE education. While more than three quarters (76.3%) of respondents had suspected an ED/EE in a client, only 25.1% felt confident to address the client about this matter. Approximately one third (30.7%) of respondents reported having a personal experience of an ED and/or EE. Conclusions: These results highlight a need for better education concerning ED and EE among EP to facilitate early identification and safe industry practice.