The association between provider encouragement and sodium consumption behaviors. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Stephen; Kuo, Tony; Robles, Brenda
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 110(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Chronic disease -- Hypertension -- Health behaviors -- Sodium consumption -- Provider encouragement -- Brief lifestyle intervention; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To explore and describe the associations between provider encouragement and four sodium consumption behaviors. Methods: We analyzed a 2016 Internet panel survey dataset of 954 socio-demographically diverse adults (age ≥18 years) living in Los Angeles County. Behaviors analyzed were current status of watching one's salt/sodium intake, frequency of adding salt to food, frequency of using a food/Nutrition Facts label to decide what food to purchase, and frequency of changing one's mind about buying a food product due to its sodium content. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between doctor/health professional (provider) encouragement and these sodium-related behaviors, controlling for self-reported health status and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Provider encouragement was positively associated with three of the four sodium consumption behaviors examined: currently watching salt/sodium intake (AOR=7.27, 95% CI=3.97–13.34); frequently using a food/Nutrition Facts label (AOR=1.70, 95% CI=1.09–2.64); and frequently changing one's mind about buying a food product due to its sodium content (AOR=2.29, 95% CI=1.45–3.63). Conclusions: Provider encouragement appears to have a salutary impact on sodium consumption among residents. Practice implications: Provider encouragement may represent an underutilized strategy for counseling patients about cardiovascular health and about the benefits of reducing sodium consumption. Highlights: Doctor/health professional encouragement may help individuals to watch their salt/sodium intake. Doctor/health professional encouragement may lead individuals to use food/nutrition labels. Doctor/health professional encouragement may nudge individuals to buy lower sodium foods.