Change in US Adult Consumer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Sodium Intake and Reduction: SummerStyles 2012 and 2015. Issue 6 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: John, Katherine A.; Cogswell, Mary E.; Zhao, Lixia; Tong, Xin; Odom, Erika C.; Ayala, Carma; Merritt, Robert
• Is Part Of: American journal of health promotion. Volume 32:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 1357
• Page End: 1364
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: sodium -- knowledge -- attitudes -- behaviors -- heart disease -- nutrition; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health Promotion; Health promotion; Periodicals; Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0890117116679163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-1171

Abstract

Purpose: To describe changes in consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sodium reduction from 2012 to 2015. Design: A cross-sectional analysis using 2 online, national research panel surveys. Setting: United States. Participants: A total of 7796 adults (18+ years). Measures: Sodium-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Analysis: Data were weighted to match the US population survey proportions using 9 factors. Wald χ 2 tests were used to examine differences by survey year and hypertensive status. Results: Despite the lack of temporal changes observed in respondent characteristics (mean age: 46 years, 67% were non-Hispanic white, and 26% reported hypertension), some changes were found in the prevalence of sodium-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The percentage of respondents who recognized processed foods as the major source of sodium increased from 54% in 2012 to 57% in 2015 ( P = .04), as did the percentage of respondents who buy or choose low/reduced sodium foods, from 33% in 2012 to 37% in 2015 ( P = .016). In contrast, the percentage of self-reported receipt of health professional advice among persons with hypertension decreased from 59% in 2012 to 45% in 2015 ( P < .0001). Other sodium-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors did not change significantly during 2012 to 2015. Conclusion: In recent years, some positive changes were observed in sodium-related knowledge and behaviors; however, the decrease in reported health professional advice to reduce sodium among respondents with hypertension is a concern.