Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to salt consumption in Nepal: Findings from the community‐based management of non‐communicable diseases project in Nepal (COBIN). Issue 6 (26th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghimire, Kamal; Adhikari, Tara Ballav; Rijal, Anupa; Kallestrup, Per; Henry, Megan E.; Neupane, Dinesh
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical hypertension. Volume 21:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 739
• Page End: 748
• Publication Date: 2019-04-26
• Subjects: attitudes -- blood pressure -- dietary salt -- hypertension -- knowledge -- Nepal -- practices -- salt consumption -- sodium; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132
• DOI: 10.1111/jch.13544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1524-6175

Abstract

Abstract: High salt/sodium intake is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This paper aims to examine the association between salt consumption and salt‐related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in Nepal. The cross‐sectional data used in this study were collected as part of the community‐based management of non‐communicable diseases project (COBIN) to understand the amount and KAP related to salt consumption in Nepal. Multivariate hierarchical logistic regression was performed to assess the association of salt‐related KAP and determinants of high salt consumption in Nepal. The mean per capita salt intake was 8.0 (±3.7) g/day, with 81.6% of the population reporting higher intake than the WHO recommendation of <5 g/day. People of upper castes [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5‐0.9], people in large families (aOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5‐0.7), respondents who were advised to lower salt intake (aOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4‐0.9) and who checked salt/sodium labels in food (aOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4‐0.9) were less likely to consume higher amounts of salt. Similarly, people who added extra salt to their food at the table (aOR = 1.4; 95 CI: 1.1‐1.9) and who reported consuming high amounts of salt (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1‐2.3) were more likely to have high salt intake. High salt intake was documented in this population. This study suggests the need for culturally tailored community‐based behavior modification through health education and dietary counseling to effectively reduce salt consumption and thereby support a reduction in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in Nepal.