Salt Intake Behavior Research Articles

Aversion to a High Salt Taste is Disturbed in Patients With CKD

IntroductionA reduced salt intake is a vital lifestyle modification in the management of hypertension. Initiatives aimed at decreasing the intake of salt are based on the preference by humans for a salt taste. Salt intake behavior appears to be affected by the balance between attraction to a low salt taste and aversion to a high salt taste. However, aversion to a high salt taste has not yet been quantitively investigated in both healthy individuals and CKD patients. MethodsAssessments of gustatory and aversion thresholds for salt, bitter, sour, and sweet tastes were performed using a stimulant-impregnated test strip in healthy subjects and CKD patients. ResultsIn a pilot taste test of 125 healthy subjects, the number of participants with an aversive reaction increased at higher salt concentrations. The threshold for normal taste perception was arbitrarily defined as 10% NaCl, with 47.2% of healthy subjects displaying an aversive reaction. In taste tests performed by 70 CKD patients, 10% were unable to recognize a salt taste, even at the highest concentration (20% NaCl), suggesting a significant impairment in taste perception in CKD patients. Only 15.7% of CKD patients exhibited a normal aversion to NaCl, while 78.6% showed the complete loss of aversion to salt. ConclusionThe present results confirmed the anticipated aversive response to a high salt taste in humans and demonstrated its impairment in CKD patients, implying that CKD patients have reduced resistance to a high salt intake.

Baseline knowledge about hypertension and sociodemographic factors related to salt intake behavior among hypertensive individuals in a rural community of Bangladesh: Substudy of a randomized controlled trial.

Excess salt consumption increases blood pressure, and therefore, this substudy was designed among rural hypertensive individuals to assess the baseline knowledge about hypertension (HTN), and dietary salt intake behavior and identify the potential predictors for urinary salt excretion in Bangladesh. A total of 420 participants were enrolled after meeting the eligibility criteria during the 12 months of the study period. The participants received behavior changes related to short message services (SMS) and face-to-face education from community health workers. Our study results found that 80% of the participants had positive knowledge of HTN. This study showed that the mean value of overnight urinary sodium excretion was 10.65 ± 3.00 at the 1st-month follow-up and 10.24 ± 3.03 at the endline. We found that mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly related to higher salt intake (P = 0.009, P = 0.011, and P = 0.005, respectively). However, participants had improved their MUAC, SBP, and DBP status in their 1st follow-up period, but still, significant associations were observed between them (P = 0.033, P = 0.011, and P = 0.002, respectively). This study's results found that sodium excretion among hypertensive participants was higher, and higher urinary sodium excretion was associated with overweight and BP in adults. Nonetheless, the real salt intake practice among the Bangladeshi population is still unknown, which demands further research.

Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among national community-based adult populations in Nauru, Tukelau and Tuvalu.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress (PD) in three small Pacific Island countries. National cross-sectional data (pooled sample N = 3,088, 18-69 years) of participants from the STEPS surveys in Nauru (2015/16; N = 1382), Tukelau (2014; N = 554) and Tuvalu (2015; N = 1152) were analysed. In the pooled sample 30.4% participants had PD (⩾20 scores), 18.1% mild (20-24 scores), 7.8% moderate (25-29 scores) and 4.4% severe (30-50 scores) PD. The prevalence of PD in Nauru was 41.5%, in Tukelau 5.0% and in Tuvalu 22.7%. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis with the pooled sample, younger age (18-39 years), alcohol family problems, heart attack/stroke, current smoking, high salt intake and high sedentary behaviour were positively associated with PD, while male sex and being from Tukelau and Tuvalu were negatively associated with PD. Almost one in three participants reported PD and several associated factors were found that can be targeted in population interventions.

Pertinence of Salt-Related Knowledge and Reported Behaviour on Salt Intake in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The association between salt-related knowledge, attitude, behaviour (KAB) and actual salt consumption in Greek adults is uncertain. This study investigates the correlation between salt intake, gauged by 24-h urinary sodium excretion, with salt-related KAB. It further explores how socio-demographic factors influence these behaviors. Salt consumption was evaluated using a 24-h urinary sodium test, and compared to self-reported KAB data. Knowledge and behavior scores related to salt were computed. An overall cohort-adjusted model examined the relationship between daily salt consumption, knowledge and behavior scores, and certain covariates. Through the stratification by the cohort random effect, two models were established (Cohort I Adults; Cohort II Students) examining the same relationships of the overall cohort model. 463 Greek adults participated. The average salt intake was 9.54 g/day, nearly double the WHO recommendation. Significant differences in knowledge scores were noted based on sex, age, education, and BMI. A trend suggesting lower discretionary salt use with increased salt intake was observed (p = 0.06). However, comprehensive analysis revealed no direct correlation between salt intake and either knowledge (p = 0.562) or behavior scores (p = 0.210). The results emphasize the need for food product reforms by industry stakeholders and accelerated efforts towards reducing salt intake.

Salt intake knowledge, attitude and behaviour in a rural population of Bangladesh

Abstract not available Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(2): 124-125

Effects of a smartphone app-based diet and physical activity program for men living with HIV who have dyslipidemia: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

People living with HIV are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease owing to antiretroviral therapy use and chronic inflammation. There is limited evidence on the evaluation of serum lipid levels through lifestyle modification. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a smartphone application-based diet and exercise improvement program on men living with HIV and dyslipidemia. This was a randomized controlled trial recruiting Japanese men living with HIV who have dyslipidemia: intervention group (n = 19) and control group (n = 19). The intervention group received a third individual guidance session during the 6-month intervention and was encouraged to record their diet on a smartphone application. An intention-to-treat analysis of the results was conducted. The intervention group showed significantly reduced change in low-density lipoprotein levels compared to the control group (-4.00 ± 20.2 mg/dL vs. 10.11 ± 21.1 mg/dL) (p = .042) from baseline to 6 months post-intervention. No significant differences were found in other serum lipid levels. Abdominal circumference decreased significantly in the intervention group (p = .048) from baseline to 6 months post-intervention. Total energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, and salt intake, dietary and physical activity behavior change stages and social support, dietary self-efficacy, and loneliness significantly improved in the intervention group (p < .05) from baseline to 6 months post-intervention. A diet and physical activity improvement program using a smartphone application based on Japanese-specific health guidance may reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in this population. Further sample expansion and examination of long-term effects are needed.

PS-C01-15: EFFECTIVENESS OF MOBILE APP-ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS FOR IMPROVING SALT RELATED BEHAVIOR IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: Current evidence supports that an increased intake of dietary salt was related to an increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Interventions to reduce salt intake are essential to reduce hypertension and its disease burden. The use of mobile health care is becoming increasingly popular in the self-care of chronic diseases such as hypertension. Design and method: This study is an open-label intervention study that aims to assess the effect of a mobile application specifically designed to aid in lowering the dietary salt. Participants will be asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their behaviors about salt-related dietary management and knowledge about the control of hypertension. Primary outcomes focus on feasibility measures of implementation and acceptability of the interventions. Secondary outcomes will include changes in blood pressure, dietary salt intake and hypertension-related behaviors. Sodium intake was estimated with the spot urine sodium content using the Kawasaki equation. User instructions for the mobile applications provides sodium content and calories for the dietary intake records made by the participants. Results: Preliminary data from 50 subjects are as follows. Hypertension management behaviors of the subjects changed significantly in all categories. The total score of Confidence changed from 11.67 ± 2.94 points to 12.73 ± 2.25 (p &lt; 0.001), Knowledge from 13.23 ± 2.08 to 14.02 ± 2.32 (p &lt; 0.05), Action from 35.08 ± 7.03 to 39.12 ± 5.85 (p &lt; 001), and Diet from 6.07 ± 2.13 to 7.87 ± 2.26 (p &lt; 001). Significant changes were observed in the BP. The systolic BP decreased from 134.09 ± 11.34 mmHg to 127.27 ± 10.87 mmHg (p &lt; 0.001), and diastolic BP decreased from 80.81 ± 8.19 mmHg to 77.97 ± 8.96(p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This trial is currently enrolling patients. To date, 226 patients have been enrolled, surpassing the pre-calculated sample size of 220. Results will be available in the winter of 2022. This trial tests the efficacy of dietary intervention through a novel mobile app. If effective, this mobile app based intervention could reduce the health burden of hypertension.

PS-C35-2: BASELINE KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS RELATED TO SALT-INTAKE BEHAVIOR AMONG HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS IN BANGLADESH: SUB-STUDY OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Excess salt consumption increases blood pressure which is a leading risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this sub-study was designed among the rural hypertensive individuals to assess the baseline knowledge about hypertension, dietary salt intake behavior and identify the potential predictors for urinary salt excretion in Bangladesh. A total of 420 participants were enrolled after meeting the eligibility criteria during the 12 months of the study period. The participants received behavior changes related to short message services (SMS) and face-to-face education from community health workers. Our study results found that most of the participants (80%) had positive knowledge of HTN. This study showed that the mean value of overnight urinary sodium excretion was 10.65 ± 3.00 at 1st-month follow-up and 10.24 ± 3.03 at the endline. We found mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly related to higher salt-intake (p = 0.009, p = 0.011 and p = 0.005 respectively). However, participants had improved their MUAC, SBP, and DBP status than their 1st follow-up period, but still, significant associations were observed between them (p = 0.033, p = 0.011, and p = 0.002 respectively). In conclusion, most of our study participants had satisfactory knowledge related to HTN and salt intake. Besides, our study results found that sodium excretion among hypertensive participants was higher, and higher urinary sodium excretion was associated with overweight and BP in adults. Nonetheless, the real salt intake practice among the Bangladeshi population is still unknown which demands further research.

HYPERTENSION AND ITS NUTRITIONAL ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ADULTS IN TWO COASTAL COMMUNES, NGHE AN PROVINCE, 2020

Aims: To identify the hypertension status and its nutritional associated factors in adults in two coastal communes of Nghe An province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1170 adults aged 40-69 years in Nghi Thinh and Nghi Thai communes, Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province. General information, blood pressure, anthropometry, salt intake behavior, alcohol consumption frequency, and disease history were collected. The hypertensive prevalence was adjusted for age-sex structure of population. Multilogistic regression analysis was applied to test several models for the association of hypertension to socio–economic conditions, body mass index and waist circumference, high salt intake behavior, and frequency of alcohol consumption. Results: The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence (95%CI) of hypertension status was 46.3 (42.6-50.0), 11.3 (9.12-14.0), 18.1 (15.1-21.5), 7.97 (6.11-10.3), 16.3 % (13.7-19.3), respectively, in normal, hight-normal, grade 1 hypertension, grade 2 hypertension, and previous diagnosed with current use of antihypertensive drugs. There were still 61.5% of hypertensive subjects without knowing the condition. The independent associated factors of hypertension were age, sex, obese status, vegetable and fruit intake/day (&lt;5 units/day), high salt intake behavior, alcohol consumption (&gt; 1 time/week), previously diagnosed dyslipidemia and family members with hypertension. Conclusions: The study indicates the high hypertension prevalence in the coastal communes. The most important associated factors for hypertension should be given a great attention in controlling hypertension in the population.

The Magnitude of Salt Intake Behaviors and Its Predictors among Saqez Urban Population of Kurdistan District in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Controlling and reducing salt intake are one of the solutions to overcome hypertension. This study aimed at determining the predictors related to salt control methods in Saqez urban population. Methods and Materials In the present cross-sectional study, the sample population was randomly selected through cluster sampling. Data collection was performed using valid questionnaires, demographic, family economic status, knowledge, perception, intention, salt intake behaviors, and salt control methods, along with measuring body mass index (BMI) and hypertension levels. Descriptive, analytical statistical methods and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the predictors of desirable salt control methods. The variables of sex, age, family economic status, knowledge, perception, perceived social support, self-efficacy, and intention were analyzed as independent variables. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24 at a significance level of 0.05. Results Out of 766 participants, 73% were women, with mean (M) 32.83, standard deviation (SD) 9.52 years, and 77.2% were married. There were significant sex differences in employment (P=0.01) and economic status (P=0.016). The M (SD) of blood pressure (systolic/diastolic) was 110.65 (0.0212) (P=0.441). The salt intake control methods between men and women did not show significant differences (P=0.368). Among totally 88.5%, 87.7% men and 88.9% women followed desirable behaviors. The predictors that determine the adoption of salt control methods were sex (man) (OR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.38–1.29)), age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = (0.99–1.05)), SES/FAS (medium, high level) (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = (0.754–2.47); OR = 0.46, 95% CI = (0.047–4.55)), blood pressure (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = (0.16–11.23)), knowledge (have) (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = (0.39–1.63)), intent to reduce salt (OR = 1.047, 95% CI = (1.03–1.06)), perceived salt reduction importance (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = (1.01–1.04)), perceived emotional support (health staff) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = (1.01–1.04)), media (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.99–1.02), perceived practical support (spouse) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.99–1.04)), and perceived self-efficacy (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = (0.99–1.03)). Conclusion The support of health staff and spouse seems to be effective in controlling the salt intake behaviors of healthy individuals. In parallel with the development and change of people's lifestyles, new approaches (legal and services) for salt control based on the support of media and social media were expected.

A Mobile Health Salt Reduction Intervention for People With Hypertension: Results of a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundA high-salt diet is a risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease; therefore, reducing dietary salt intake is a key part of prevention strategies. There are few effective salt reduction interventions suitable for delivery in the primary care setting, where the majority of the management and diagnosis of hypertension occurs.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a complex behavioral intervention to lower salt intake in people with elevated blood pressure and test the trial procedures for a randomized controlled trial to investigate the intervention’s effectiveness.MethodsThis feasibility study was an unblinded, randomized controlled trial of a mobile health intervention for salt reduction versus an advice leaflet (control). The intervention was developed using the Behavior Change Wheel and comprised individualized, brief advice from a health care professional with the use of the SaltSwap app. Participants with an elevated blood pressure recorded in the clinic were recruited through primary care practices in the United Kingdom. Primary outcomes assessed the feasibility of progression to a larger trial, including follow-up attendance, fidelity of intervention delivery, and app use. Secondary outcomes were objectively assessed using changes in salt intake (measured via 24-hour urine collection), salt content of purchased foods, and blood pressure. Qualitative outcomes were assessed using the think-aloud method, and the process outcomes were evaluated.ResultsA total of 47 participants were randomized. All progression criteria were met: follow-up attendance (45/47, 96%), intervention fidelity (25/31, 81%), and app use (27/31, 87%). There was no evidence that the intervention significantly reduced the salt content of purchased foods, salt intake, or blood pressure; however, this feasibility study was not powered to detect changes in secondary outcomes. Process and qualitative outcomes demonstrated that the trial design was feasible and the intervention was acceptable to both individuals and practitioners and positively influenced salt intake behaviors.ConclusionsThe intervention was acceptable and feasible to deliver within primary care; the trial procedures were practicable, and there was sufficient signal of potential efficacy to change salt intake. With some improvements to the intervention app, a larger trial to assess intervention effectiveness for reducing salt intake and blood pressure is warranted.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 20910962; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN20910962

Factors associated with the salt intake behaviors in women in a high-salt intake setting

PurposeThe high prevalence of hypertension is a significant concern worldwide. A decrease in salt intake is a well-known strategy to control hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Little is known about the factors influencing salt intake behaviors in settings such as Iran where consumption of salt is higher than the recommended amount. The purpose of this study was to find out what factors affect three salt intake behaviors among women: adding salt when cooking, adding salt to prepared food at the table and purchasing salty foods.Design/methodology/approachA community-wide cross-sectional survey of 516 women was conducted in Ilam, Iran. Participants were recruited using the cluster random sampling method. The survey included behaviors and variables of an expanded theory of planned behavior. The hypothesized relationships were investigated using structural equation modeling.FindingsPerceived behavioral control (PBC) (p < 0.001) and habit (p = 0.01) appeared to be significant factors of adding salt when cooking. Determinants of adding salt to food at the table were intention (p < 0.001), PBC (p < 0.001), habit (p < 0.001). Also, PBC (p < 0.001), intention (p < 0.001), habit (p < 0.001) were identified as predictors of the purchase of salty foods. The results did not support the moderating role of Hedonic feeling to salt on the relation between intention and behaviors.Originality/valueThis study would be applicable to develop salt reduction interventions. Because altering the hedonic response to food is difficult, the lack of its moderating role could be a promising finding for developing salt reduction interventions.

Impact of Garlic-infused Salt Supplement on Fly Abundance, Salt Intake, and Defensive Behaviors in Grazing Beef Cows

This study evaluated the efficacy of free-choice feeding of garlic-infused salt as an alternative pest-fly control strategy in grazing beef cows. This on-farm study is relevant because pest-fly abundance during the summer can impact performance and may cause welfare concerns on beef cattle operations. Over two consecutive summers, three groups of grazing cows received either a trace-mineral salt (TMS) supplement or a TMS infused with garlic powder (GPTMS). The study assessed the treatment effects on fly abundance, defensive behavior, and salt consumption for each group. All cows grazed similar forage species. Fly abundance and defensive behaviors were evaluated in each group using digital imagery. The results showed no difference (P = 0.34) in monthly salt consumption among groups. There were differences (P &amp;lt; 0.0004) in fly abundance among groups where one GPTMS group had at least 47% fewer flies and 41% fewer defensive behaviors than the TMS groups. On the other hand, another group that received GPTMS in the second year indicated a trend (P = 0.07) in fly abundance from its previous outcomes when the group received the TMS in the first year. These differing results for fly abundance and defensive behavior in the groups that received the GPTMS suggest that the efficacy of this feeding strategy in cattle may be affected by differences in genetic or environmental factors or both. We recommended that future studies consider genomic breed compositions before assigning subjects to different groups. Additional studies are required to investigate the variation in individual supplement intake between treatment groups and whether infusing mineral supplements with garlic powder is associated with similar outcomes as salt.

Awareness Development and Usage of Mobile Health Technology Among Individuals With Hypertension in a Rural Community of Bangladesh: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) is a major modifiable risk factor and the leading cause of premature deaths globally. The lack of awareness and knowledge have been identified as risk factors in low- and middle-income countries including Bangladesh. Recently, the use of mobile phone SMS text messaging is found to have an important positive impact on HTN management.ObjectiveThe study aimed to develop awareness and knowledge in order to enhance lifestyle behavior changes among individuals with HTN in a rural community of Bangladesh by using health education and mobile health (mHealth) technology (SMS text messaging).MethodsA prospective randomized 5-month intervention, open-label (1:1), parallel-group trial was implemented among the individuals with HTN aged 35 years or older. Both men and women were included. Between August 2018 and July 2019, we enrolled 420 participants, selected from a tertiary level health facility and through door-to-door visits by community health workers. After block randomization, they were assigned to either the intervention group (received SMS text messaging and health education; n=209) or the control group (received only health education; n=211). The primary outcome was the evaluation of self-reported behavior changes (salt intake, fruits and vegetables intake, physical activity, and blood pressure [BP], and body weight monitoring behaviors). The secondary outcomes were measurements of actual salt intake and dietary salt excretion, blood glucose level, BP values, and quality of life (QOL).ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 8 participants were dropped, and the completion rate was 98.0% (412/420). The adherence rates were significantly higher (9%) among the control group regarding salt intake (P=.04) and physical activity behaviors (P<.03), and little differences were observed in other behaviors. In primary outcome, the focused behavior, salt intake less than 6 g/day, showed significant chronological improvement in both groups (P<.001). The fruits intake behavior steadily improved in both groups (P<.001). Participants in both groups had a custom of vegetables intake everyday/week. Physical activity suddenly increased and continued until the study end (P<.001 in both groups). Both BP and body weight monitoring status increased from baseline to 1 month but decreased afterward (P<.001). In case of secondary outcomes, significant chronological changes were observed in food salt concentration and urinary salinity between the groups (P=.01). The mean systolic BP and diastolic BP significantly chronologically decreased in both groups (systolic BP, P=.04; diastolic BP, P=.02.P<.05). All of these supported self-reported behavior changes. For the QOL, both groups showed significant improvement over the study periods (P<.001).ConclusionsBased on these results, we suggest that face-to-face health education requires integration of home health care provision and more relevant and timely interactive SMS text messages to increase the effectiveness of the intervention. Besides, community awareness can be created to encourage “low-salt culture” and educate family members.Trial RegistrationBangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) 06025072017; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03614104; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03614104 and UMIN-CTR R000033736; https://tinyurl.com/y48yfcooInternational Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/15523

Developing and Testing an Instrument to Measure the Factors Affecting the Salt Restriction Behaviors among Women

Background: High salt intake is considered as one of the most important causes of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Measuring and identifying factors contributing to people's salt intake behaviors is important to evaluate effectiveness of interventions focusing on salt reduction behaviors. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a new theory of planned behavior (TPB)- based instrument to measure factors influencing three different salt intake behaviors (adding salt during cooking, at the table, purchasing salty food) among women. Study design: A mixed-method study. Methods: After the face and content validity of developed instrument were established, a representative sample of women (N= 300, age (SD):42.82(12.10)) were recruited to assess the construct validity using Partial Least Square confirmatory factor analysis. Coefficient alpha and composite reliability (CR) were used to establish reliability of instrument. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were used to assess the content validity. Results: Assessing validity and reliability of instrument led to 56-item questionnaire. CVI was more than 0.70 and CVR more than 0.56. Internal consistency as assessed by Cronbach's alpha was acceptable. Convergent and discriminant validity were established. The GOF index for behavior one was 0.250, for behavior two was 0.414 and behavior three was 0.374. The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicate that TPB model has an acceptable fit with data. Conclusion: Our instrument provides a validated and reliable tool for assessing different aspects of salt intake behaviors in women to evaluate effectiveness of interventions focusing on salt reduction behaviors.

Salt intake behavior among the undergraduate students of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences

Background: Excessive salt intake contributes to increased risk of noncommunicable diseases, which could vary between countries and between population groups within a country. Specific population-based data are necessary to design a pragmatic intervention strategy. The present study was designed to find out the salt intake knowledge, attitudes and behavior among the Bangladeshi undergraduate students.

Salt intake knowledge and behavior among school teachers in four Chinese cities in 2014

To learn the knowledge level on &quot;salt and health&quot;, and analyze the influence on related behavior among school teachers in four Chinese cities. The data of 2014 salt KAP among urban residents in China was used, with stratified random cluster sampling, a total of 2518(male 708, female 1810) school teachers were selected from four cities of China, including Shenyang, Wuhan, Chengdu and Guangzhou city. Self-filled questionnaire was used to collect the information on the salt intake knowledge and behavior. The statistical software package SAS version 9. 4 was used for data analysis. Among the teachers in four Chinese cities, about 50. 9% of them knew the recommendation of salt intake, about 66. 6% of them knew sodium in the salt may influence health. Approximately 85. 3% of them knew eating long-term salty food may cause hypertension. The proportions of knowing salt intake among female, 40 years and older, below the undergraduate, higher family income teachers were higher than their counterparts(P&lt;0. 05). The proportions of knowing the health influence of sodium among female, higher family income teachers were higher than their counterparts(P&lt;0. 05). The proportions of knowing that eating long-term salty food may cause hypertension among female, undergraduate and above, higher family income teachers were higher than their counterparts(P&lt;0. 05). About 80. 1% of them knew the nutrition labeling on the package food, about 19. 7% of them knew the nutrition labeling contents. Teachers utilized nutrition labeling differently owing to their knowledge on the labeling contents(P&lt;0. 05). In the past three months, about 21. 4% of the teachers always use low-sodium salt when cooking, only 4. 2% of them always control their family's salt intake by using salt control spoon, about 25. 4% of them always choose low-sodium food when purchasing, only 15. 1% of the teachers requested the meals cooked lightly when eating out. The proportions of teachers who used low-sodium salt among female, higher family income, knowing salt intake recommended, knowing the health influence of sodium, knowing that long-term salty food may cause hypertension, active learning related knowledge, family members suffering from hypertension were higher than their counterparts(P&lt;0. 05). The proportions of using salt control spoon among teachers under Bachelor's degree, active learning related knowledge were higher than their counterparts(P&lt;0. 05). The proportions of teachers purchasing low-sodium food among 40 years and older, under Bachelor's degree, higher family income, knowing salt intake recommended, knowing the health influence of sodium, knowing that long-term salty food may cause hypertension, family members not suffering from hypertension, active learning related knowledge were higher than their counterparts(P&lt;0. 05). The proportions of teachers requesting the meals cooked slightly when eating-out among 40 years and older, under Bachelor's degree, not knowing salt intake recommended, not knowing that long-term salty food may cause hypertension, not knowing if their family members suffered from hypertension, active learning related knowledge were higher than their counterparts(P&lt;0. 05). The teachers consumed soy sauce, bean paste, fried bread stick differently owing to their knowledge about this(P&lt;0. 05). The teachers in the four cities have grasped some knowledge on salt and health, but their related behaviors should be improved to reduce the salt intake.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Dietary Salt Intake among Nurses Working in a Cardiac Hospital in Bangladesh Sciences

Background: Noticeable proportion of Bangladeshi population including health professionals is habituated with excessive salt intake although having a good knowledge and attitude. There is no related data regarding salt intake practice among nurses in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards dietary salt intake among the nurses working in a selected cardiac hospital.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 nurses working in National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute (NHFHRI), Dhaka. The NHFHRI was selected purposively and all of the nurses were targeted to recruit. Modified WHO Salt Module of STEPS Questionnaire was used for data collection.&#x0D; Results: All of them believed that too much salt in diet could cause serious health problems, and majority (76.8%) had average knowledge regarding the health effects of excess salt intake. More than eighty percent (83.4%) believed that lowering the salt in diet is very important and about two-third (62.6%) used to consume salt just the right amount. Almost half (49.3%) of the nurses were used to add extra salt during their meal and three-quarter (76.8%) were used to take high salt content processed food. The median of extra salt intake among the always users (n=52) was found 2.5 g per day.&#x0D; Conclusion: In spite of having good knowledge and positive attitude towards dietary salt intake, the added salt intake behavior was noteworthy among the nurses working in NHFHRI.&#x0D; Cardiovasc. j. 2019; 12(1): 53-58

Glial Cells Are Involved in ANG-II-Induced Vasopressin Release and Sodium Intake in Awake Rats.

It is known that circulating angiotensin II (ANG-II) acts on the circumventricular organs (CVOs), which partially lack a normal blood-brain barrier, to stimulate pressor responses, vasopressin (AVP), and oxytocin (OT) secretion, as well as sodium and water intake. Although ANG-II type 1 receptors (AT1R) are expressed in neurons and astrocytes, the involvement of CVOs glial cells in the neuroendocrine, cardiovascular and behavioral responses induced by central ANG II remains to be further elucidated. To address this question, we performed a set of experiments combining in vitro studies in primary hypothalamic astrocyte cells (HACc) and in vivo intracerebroventricular (icv) microinjections into the lateral ventricle of awake rats. Our results showed that ANG-II decreased glutamate uptake in HACc. In addition, in vivo studies showed that fluorocitrate (FCt), a reversible glial inhibitor, increased OT secretion and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decreased breathing at rest. Furthermore, previous FCt decreased AVP secretion and sodium intake induced by central ANG-II. Together, our findings support that CVOs glial cells are important in mediating neuroendocrine and cardiorespiratory functions, as well as central ANG-II-induced AVP release and salt-intake behavior in awake rats. In the light of our in vitro studies, we propose that these mechanisms are, at least in part, by ANG-II-induced astrocyte mediate reduction in glutamate extracellular clearance.

Angiotensin AT1A receptors expressed in vasopressin-producing cells of the supraoptic nucleus contribute to osmotic control of vasopressin.

Angiotensin II (ANG) stimulates the release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) from the neurohypophysis through activation of the AT1 receptor within the brain, although it remains unclear whether AT1 receptors expressed on AVP-expressing neurons directly mediate this control. We explored the hypothesis that ANG acts through AT1A receptors expressed directly on AVP-producing cells to regulate AVP secretion. In situ hybridization and transgenic mice demonstrated localization of AVP and AT1A mRNA in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but coexpression of both AVP and AT1A mRNA was only observed in the SON. Mice harboring a conditional allele for the gene encoding the AT1A receptor (AT1Aflox) were then crossed with AVP-Cre mice to generate mice that lack AT1A in all cells that express the AVP gene (AT1AAVP-KO). AT1AAVP-KO mice exhibited spontaneously increased plasma and serum osmolality but no changes in fluid or salt-intake behaviors, hematocrit, or total body water. AT1AAVP-KO mice exhibited reduced AVP secretion (estimated by measurement of copeptin) in response to osmotic stimuli such as acute hypertonic saline loading and in response to chronic intracerebroventricular ANG infusion. However, the effects of these receptors on AVP release were masked by complex stimuli such as overnight dehydration and DOCA-salt treatment, which simultaneously induce osmotic, volemic, and pressor stresses. Collectively, these data support the expression of AT1A in AVP-producing cells of the SON but not the PVN, and a role for AT1A receptors in these cells in the osmotic regulation of AVP secretion.