Study of Factors Related to Salt Receiving Behaviors of Households Covered by Health Services Centers of saqez, 2018

Abstract

Introduction: High blood pressure is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular and vascular diseases. The relationship between hypertension and salt intake (sodium) has been proven. The purpose of the present study was to determine the personal, cognitive and social factors affecting the salt intake behaviors of Saqez Health Centers in 1397. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was descriptive and analytical. The sample population of the study consisted of 766 people in the age group of 18 years and over without a history of hypertension that was selected through multistage random cluster sampling. Data collection was done using a series of questionnaires including demographic questionnaire, socioeconomic status questionnaire, anthropometric information, and knowledge assessment questionnaire, attitude and practice of salt intake. Results: The mean and standard deviation of age of the studied units were 32.83(9/52). More than two thirds of the participants were women (73%) and 77.2% were married. The results showed that age, sex, education, occupation, and economic status of participants were significantly correlated with salt intake (P <0.05). Also, the results of linear regression showed that self-efficacy among cognitive, psychosocial variables (self-efficacy, social support) was the only psychosocial predictor of household salt intake behaviors (P <0.001). None of the cognitive factors (knowledge, attitude) of the participants even showed a meaningful relationship even after adjusting the economic situation with salt taking behaviors. The total score of social support (total information-emotional-practical support) was estimated to be 2.99 out of 10.76 and was very poor. Less support was provided to friends and the highest support was provided by health personnel. Media support (information-emotional-practical support) was voiced by 8% of the participants. The highest self-efficacy level of 30.8% was obtained to reduce the consumption of salty foods and the lowest self-efficacy of 8.4% due to the lack of livelihood of foods. The amount of self-efficacy of low salt diet at a high price was 13.3%. In total, the self-efficacy score was 3.07 out of 5. Conclusion: Understanding social support The most important determinant of household salt reduction behavior is the development of health support programs and strengthening media support as one of the priorities of the salt reduction program. Public awareness programs on how to reduce salt intake in food items, salt-related diseases, identify national and indigenous food items, the legal requirement to label food products with the promotion of women's self-efficacy are essential.