Abstract
Despite public health efforts to reduce dietary sodium, sodium intakes in most countries remains high. The purpose of this study was to determine if using novel web-based tools that provide tailored feedback, the Sodium Calculator and Sodium Calculator Plus, improves users’ sodium-related knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviours (KAB). In this single arm pre- and post-test study, 199 healthy adults aged 18–34 years completed a validated questionnaire to assess changes to sodium-related KAB before and after using the calculators. After using the calculators, the proportion of participants who accurately identified the sodium adequate intake and chronic disease risk reduction level increased (19% to 74% and 23% to 74%, respectively, both p = 0.021). The proportion accurately self-assessing their sodium intake as ‘high’ also increased (41% to 66%, p = 0.021). Several intended behavioural changes were reported, i.e., buying foods with sodium-reduced labels, using the Nutrition Facts table, using spices and herbs instead of salt, and limiting eating out. Evidence-based eHealth tools that assess and provide personalized feedback on sodium intake have the potential to aid in facilitating sodium reduction in individuals. This study is an important first step in evaluating and optimizing the implementation of eHealth tools to help reduce Canadians’ sodium intakes.
Highlights
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease, and is the leading preventable risk factor for death worldwide [1]
This study showed that simple eHealth tools that assess and provide feedback on dietary sodium intake may improve users’ KAB related to dietary sodium
Improving KAB related to dietary sodium is a key component of population-wide sodium reduction strategies [11,12]
Summary
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease, and is the leading preventable risk factor for death worldwide [1]. Excess dietary sodium is responsible for approximately 30% of cases of hypertension [2]. Canadians consume 2760 mg of sodium per day, an intake far exceeding the adequate intake (AI) (1500 mg) and chronic disease risk reduction intake (CDRR). (2300 mg) levels [3]. 90% of males between 14–30 years of age consume sodium at levels beyond these recommendations [4]. To address the disease burden associated with excess sodium consumption, the World Health Organization set a global target of reducing dietary salt intake by 30%
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