The Health Belief Model (HBM)

This study was conducted within the frame work of the Health Belief Model (HBM) which indicates that the key health beliefs underlying the threat and behavioral evaluations provide a useful framework for understanding individual differences in health behavior and for designing interventions to change behavior. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a popular theory applied to health education and health promotion (52). The underlying assumption of the original HBM is that health behavior is determined by personal beliefs or perceptions about a disease/disorder and the strategies available to decrease its occurrence (53). This Model of explaining human behavior attempts to explain the determinants and factors that influence an individual’s decisions

While the perception of severity is often based on medical information or knowledge, it may also stem from an individual’s beliefs about the difficulties a disease would create or the effects it would have on his or her life (55). For example, a household may refuse to use iodized salt because they may think that non-consumption of iodized salt may not result in any serious health problem. Or an individual who do not recognize goiter and cretinism as serious medical problems will be less likely to use iodized salt.

Perceived Benefits

This construct is an individual’s belief that a certain action will reduce risk/seriousness of impact/consequences of IDDs. This reflects the person’s opinion of the value or usefulness of a new a behavior in decreasing the risk of developing iodine deficiency disorders. People tend to adopt healthier behaviors like increased IQ, being mentally active and increased productivity when they believe the new behavior will decrease their chances of developing IDDs. Perceived

The findings of this study would be useful to go a long way in helping all stakeholders in this field to implement cost effective strategies towards achieving the national household iodized salt utilization target of 80% and goiter reduction in 50%. This research will also give clue on proper utilization of AIS so that women of selected households will more get informed as they are major at risk groups. The findings can be used as input to improve existing policies and programs targeting iodine deficiency eradication in Ethiopia. Knowing the level of adequately iodized salt which should be utilized and factors affecting the level will help people to improve and contribute in decrease their chances of developing a disease. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of adequately iodized salt utilization at households and associated factors and explored perception and experience related to utilization of iodized salt in Wolaita Sodo