| Abstract [eng] |
Iodine is one of the most important micronutrients during pregnancy, playing a crucial role in the normal development of the fetal nervous system and brain. Insufficient iodine intake may have adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health; therefore, the role of healthcare professionals in counselling pregnant women is highly important. However, there is still a lack of data in Lithuania regarding healthcare professionals’ knowledge, competence, and counselling practices related to iodine intake during pregnancy. Aim of the study. To evaluate Lithuanian healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and counselling practices regarding iodine intake during pregnancy. Objectives of the study. 1. To assess the theoretical knowledge of midwives, pharmacists, family physicians, and obstetrician-gynaecologists regarding the importance of iodine and recommendations for its intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 2. To evaluate healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards the relevance of iodine deficiency as a public health issue. 3. To identify the characteristics of counselling practices regarding iodine intake and their associations with professional experience. 4. To identify the main barriers and information needs in ensuring effective patient counselling. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire survey. The study population consisted of healthcare professionals (midwives, obstetrician-gynaecologists, family physicians, and pharmacists) holding valid professional licenses. The questionnaire was developed based on previous studies investigating healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practical use of iodine-related recommendations. The research instrument consisted of six sections and 28 questions. Data analysis and statistical processing were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 31.0 and Microsoft Excel software. Results. The study revealed uneven levels of knowledge regarding iodine intake during pregnancy among different groups of healthcare professionals. Obstetrician-gynaecologists and midwives were more likely to know the World Health Organization’s recommended daily iodine intake, whereas pharmacists more frequently lacked specific knowledge regarding appropriate iodine dosage for pregnant women or selected the response “I do not know.” A direct association was identified between professional experience and the frequency of counselling: healthcare professionals with longer work experience demonstrated better knowledge of iodine intake recommendations and more actively counselled pregnant women regarding iodine use. Although most respondents acknowledged that iodine deficiency remains a relevant issue in Lithuania, practical counselling practices were found to be inconsistent and fragmented. Study participants also emphasized the lack of training and clear methodological recommendations on this topic. Conclusions. 1. Healthcare professionals’ knowledge regarding iodine, its intake, and its importance during pregnancy is fragmented. Obstetrician-gynaecologists and midwives demonstrated higher competence, whereas pharmacists most often lacked sufficient information. 2. Healthcare professionals with greater professional experience were better theoretically prepared and more frequently integrated iodine-related issues into their daily counselling practice. 3. Although healthcare professionals demonstrated a positive attitude towards the importance of iodine and acknowledged the relevance of the problem in Lithuania, a gap exists between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. 4. The main barriers to effective iodine deficiency prevention are the absence of unified clinical guidelines and the lack of specialized professional development programs. |
