Factors associated with the salt intake behaviors in women in a high-salt intake setting
ISSN: 0034-6659
Article publication date: 16 July 2021
Issue publication date: 3 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The high prevalence of hypertension is a significant concern worldwide. A decrease in salt intake is a well-known strategy to control hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Little is known about the factors influencing salt intake behaviors in settings such as Iran where consumption of salt is higher than the recommended amount. The purpose of this study was to find out what factors affect three salt intake behaviors among women: adding salt when cooking, adding salt to prepared food at the table and purchasing salty foods.
Design/methodology/approach
A community-wide cross-sectional survey of 516 women was conducted in Ilam, Iran. Participants were recruited using the cluster random sampling method. The survey included behaviors and variables of an expanded theory of planned behavior. The hypothesized relationships were investigated using structural equation modeling.
Findings
Perceived behavioral control (PBC) (p < 0.001) and habit (p = 0.01) appeared to be significant factors of adding salt when cooking. Determinants of adding salt to food at the table were intention (p < 0.001), PBC (p < 0.001), habit (p < 0.001). Also, PBC (p < 0.001), intention (p < 0.001), habit (p < 0.001) were identified as predictors of the purchase of salty foods. The results did not support the moderating role of Hedonic feeling to salt on the relation between intention and behaviors.
Originality/value
This study would be applicable to develop salt reduction interventions. Because altering the hedonic response to food is difficult, the lack of its moderating role could be a promising finding for developing salt reduction interventions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank all participants in this study. This work was supported financially by Vice Chancellery Research and Technology Affairs of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences from study design to submission under Grant No. 9712218019.
Funding: This research was supported by the Research and Technology Deputy of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran ( No. 9712218019).
Citation
Chenary, R., Karimi-Shahanjarini, A., Bashirian, S., Roshanaei, G., Fazaeli, A.A. and Jalilian, M. (2022), "Factors associated with the salt intake behaviors in women in a high-salt intake setting", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 52 No. 1, pp. 140-150. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-02-2021-0048
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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