ABSRACT

The study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and consumption patterns of iodine-rich foods among pregnant women in Umuahia North, Nigeria. Iodine is critical for healthy fetal development and maternal well-being; however, iodine deficiency remains a major public health issue. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 200 pregnant women attending selected health facilities, using structured questionnaires to assess their knowledge of iodine, attitudes towards its consumption, and dietary practices. Results indicated that majority of pregnant women were in the second trimester (40%), followed by the first trimester (31.5%) and third trimester (28.5%). Pregnant women, particularly in the second and third trimesters, are at heightened risk of iodine deficiency due to increased metabolic demands. Awareness of iodine's importance was alarmingly low, with only 31% of participants recognizing its health benefits while 20% demonstrated positive attitudes towards regular consumption of iodine-rich foods. Furthermore, only 33% reported using iodized salt regularly, highlighting a significant gap in dietary practices. The highest percentage of awareness (31%) regarding iodine sources was observed among women with higher educational levels while the lowest (20%) was found in women with primary education or less. The study concludes that insufficient knowledge and negative attitudes towards iodine-rich foods contribute to inadequate iodine consumption, posing risks to maternal and infant health. To address this deficiency, it is recommended that public health initiatives focus on educational programs and awareness campaigns targeting pregnant women, particularly in underprivileged communities, to promote the importance of adequate iodine intake during pregnancy and encourage the consistent use of iodized salt.