Abstract
BackgroundDiscretionary salt use varies according to socio-demographic factors. However, it is unknown whether salt knowledge and beliefs mediate this relationship. This study examined the direct and indirect effect of socio-demographic factors on salt knowledge and discretionary salt use in a sample of 530 Australian adults.MethodsAn internet based cross-sectional survey was used to collect data for this study. Participants completed an online questionnaire which assessed their salt knowledge, beliefs and salt use behaviour. Mplus was used to conduct structural equation modelling to estimate direct and indirect effects.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 49.2 years, and about a third had tertiary education. Discretionary salt use was inversely related to age (r=-0.11; p<0.05), and declarative salt knowledge (knowledge of factual information) scores (r = -0.17; p<0.01), but was positively correlated with misconceptions about salt (r = 0.09; p<0.05) and beliefs about the taste of salt (r = 0.51; p<0.001). Structural equation modelling showed age, education and gender were indirectly associated with the use of discretionary salt through three mediating pathways; declarative salt knowledge, misconceptions about salt and salt taste beliefs.ConclusionsInequalities observed between socio-demographic groups in their use of discretionary salt use can potentially be reduced through targeted salt knowledge and awareness campaigns.
Highlights
Higher intakes of dietary salt intake have been shown to increase blood pressure [1,2] and may have possible role in increased risk of stroke [3,4]
In order to achieve its population intake target of 6 g salt per day, the UK Food Standards Agency proposed a salt reduction strategy which comprises both reduction of salt in major salt contributing food categories as well as discretionary salt intake [17,18]
Relationship between socio-demographic indicators with knowledge, beliefs and discretionary salt use Table 3 shows the associations between socio-demographic indicators and salt knowledge, salt taste beliefs and discretionary salt use
Summary
Higher intakes of dietary salt intake have been shown to increase blood pressure [1,2] and may have possible role in increased risk of stroke [3,4]. It is estimated that processed foods account for about 80% of salt in the Australian diet while discretionary salt contributes about 20% [16]. In order to achieve its population intake target of 6 g salt per day, the UK Food Standards Agency proposed a salt reduction strategy which comprises both reduction of salt in major salt contributing food categories (such as bread and cereals) as well as discretionary salt intake (i.e. salt added to the food) [17,18]. Discretionary salt use varies according to socio-demographic factors. It is unknown whether salt knowledge and beliefs mediate this relationship. This study examined the direct and indirect effect of socio-demographic factors on salt knowledge and discretionary salt use in a sample of 530 Australian adults
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