Regional Influences on Nutritional Iodine Status of Pregnant Women in Pakistan

Background: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency. Considering the rural–urban disparities in nutritional status in Pakistan, this study aimed to assess regional influences on nutritional iodine status of pregnant women in Pakistan. Methods: Data were collected from 1246 pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy who visited antenatal clinics for routine checkups in five Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province districts. Information concerning iodized salt intake and knowledge of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) was obtained through an interview questionnaire. Goiter and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) levels were assessed by the palpation method and Sandell–Kolthoff reaction, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to quantify associations between residence (rural–urban), pregnancy trimester, and previous pregnancy outcomes with knowledge about IDD, iodized salt intake, presence of goiter, and UIC