Barriers and enablers to maternal iodine supplement use in Tasmania

Iodine nutrition plays an important role in childhood development, with implications for learning and educational outcomes. The effects of Iodine deficiency has been known or at least the past 70 years in Tasmania. Research shows that pregnant and breastfeeding women are not getting enough iodine, and this leaves infants vulnerable to the adverse effects of iodine deficiency.

This study investigated barriers and enablers to maternal iodine supplement use in Tasmania. Four focus groups were conducted with 24 women from two Child and Family Learning Centre (CFLC) communities during April and May 2021.