Abstract
BackgroundCape Verde presents a high rate of cardiovascular diseases. Low potassium and high sodium intakes are related to cardiovascular diseases. However, studies regarding these two micronutrients continue to be rare in African urban settings. This work aims to estimate potassium and sodium intakes and to analyse the self-reported salt intake by gender and by type of urban area in the city of Praia – the capital of Cape Verde.MethodsIn the first stage (n = 1912), an intra-urban study was designed in two types of urban areas (formal and informal), using a sampling strategy based on random selection of geographical coordinates, in order to apply a questionnaire. In a second stage, a 24-h dietary recall and anthropometric measurements were performed by local nutritionists. Potassium and sodium intakes were estimated for 599 participants (149 men and 450 women). Non-parametric methods (including quantile regression) were used in the statistical analysis.ResultsIn informal areas, a higher percentage of women reported having hypertension (31.0%) compared to formal areas (19.7%). Based on 24-h dietary recall, median potassium intake for men was 2924.2 mg/day and for women and 2562.6 mg/day. Almost 70.0% of men and 80.0% of women ingested less than the recommended 3510 mg/day of potassium. In informal areas, men and women presented high medians of sodium intakes compared to formal areas (men: 4131.2 vs 3014.6 mg/day and women: 3243.4 vs 2522.4 mg/day). On the other hand, the percentage of participants exceeding 2000 mg/day for sodium was high (≥70.8%), even for participants that self-reported low-salt intake.Quantile regression models revealed effects of the type of urban area and gender in the potassium and sodium intakes, at least, in some quartiles, accounting for age, academic qualifications, and professional situation.ConclusionsA low potassium intake and a high sodium intake were found in Praia. Thus, efficient health education campaigns and health promotion are needed and should be tailored considering gender and urban areas.
Highlights
Cape Verde presents a high rate of cardiovascular diseases
This study aims to estimate the potassium and sodium intakes and to analyse the self-perception of salt intake of men and women living in formal and informal areas of the city of Praia
The sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported chronic diseases and nutritional status of men and women, respectively in the two types of urban areas are presented in Tables 1 and 2
Summary
Cape Verde presents a high rate of cardiovascular diseases. Low potassium and high sodium intakes are related to cardiovascular diseases. Studies regarding these two micronutrients continue to be rare in African urban settings. This work aims to estimate potassium and sodium intakes and to analyse the self-reported salt intake by gender and by type of urban area in the city of Praia – the capital of Cape Verde. Dietary intake assessments in low- and middle-income countries are crucial to providing detailed information regarding micronutrients and their effects on health [2]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, daily sodium intake should be less than 2000 mg (5000 mg of salt) [14]. Some authors have highlighted the role of socioeconomic inequalities to design interventions aiming to promote a healthy diet, such as the reduction of salt intake [16, 17].
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