Ubiquitous Salt: Mineral to Now Watch Out For

Abstract

Background: As per the WHO global status report on Non Communicable Diseases, the South East Asian region has been found to have 36% adults who are hypertensive. Epidemic of hypertension is touching epic proportions today, with even children and adolescents being affected Studies highlight that excess salt consumption is a significant risk factor for development of hypertension. It has been found that consumer knowledge to a large extent influences salt consumption thus; there is a need to clarify the role of salt and beliefs in relation to its usage within the population. With this background it was decided to carry out an assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of salt consumption in a representative sample of individuals in an urban community. Methods: The survey was a descriptive study based on a validated salt knowledge assessment questionnaire administered to 405 individuals. Results: 88.9% individuals felt that high quantities of salt can damage health. 53.3% individuals were aware of the quantity of salt that is considered optimum 57.8% had a habit of sprinkling salt over food and 86.7% got their blood pressure checked regularly. Conclusion: Despite being educated large gaps in knowledge and practice still exist in the society. Until the time when there is widespread availability of food products with lower amounts of salt, active participation from consumers will be required to reduce the salt in their diet Awareness generation is the need of the hour with a holistic approach targeting the children also.