Open AccessA SOCIAL SURVEY ON HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF IODINE DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN HILLY AREAS OF PAKISTAN
Author(s) -
Aqsa Zaheer Asim,
Zahid Hussain,
Jawad Ali,
Sumera Bibi,
Muhammad Mohiuddin,
Muhammad Irshad
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of healthcare in developing countries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2785-8391
DOI - 10.26480/jhcdc.04.2021.56.61
Subject(s) - iodine deficiency , iodine , environmental health , medicine , family health , health education , pediatrics , public health , nursing , materials science , metallurgy
Iodine deficiencies are common in hilly areas which leads to serious health implication. The study investigated health implications in women and children related to iodine deficiency. 210 female respondents were randomly selected from three union councils, (UCs) i.e., Namli Mehra, Nathia Gali and Pala of District Abbottabad, Pakistan. Lower education and income levels decreased knowledge and understanding about iodine related health issues. The children were more affected, especially the growth of girls was more impacted due to iodine deficiency. Factor analysis revealed that lower education levels were the main cause of iodine deficiency disorders in the study area.