Document Type : Letter to the Editor (Policy Brief)
Authors
1 Professor of Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health and Modeling in Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Independent Researcher, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
3 Professor of Cardiology,, Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine and Modeling in Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
Abstract
High blood pressure (HBP) is one of the most important preventable risk factors and excessive salt intake plays a significant role in its occurrence. Several studies have shown that reducing salt intake leads to a decrease in BP. The World Health Organization has also recommended consuming less than 5 grams of salt per day. In Ardal County, the prevalence of HBP in people over 30 years of age was reported to be about 15.2%, but there was no information on the amount of salt intake. By conducting a cohort study in this area, the average apparent salt intake was 4.4 grams and total sodium intake was 14.8 grams per day, with 62% of people consuming more than the recommended amount of salt. Accordingly, a Community trial was designed and implemented to reduce salt intake and BP in 20 villages in this county. The interventions included face-to-face education, distribution of 3,000 leaflets and pamphlets, and group discussions in health homes, health centers, and at the village level. After the intervention, salt intake was significantly reduced. Although the reduction in systolic BP was not significant at the community level, at the individual level, the intervention group had a significant reduction in BP compared to the control group. The study showed that salt intake in these communities was about three times the recommended limit, and community-based educational interventions tailored to local culture and people's perception of risk are considered a cheap and effective strategy to reduce salt intake and control high blood pressure.
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