Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) on Salt Intake and its Relationship with Blood Pressure among Chinese Adults in Johor

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most serious health problem worldwide as well as in Malaysia with high salt intake as the major risk factor related to it. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on salt intake and its relationship with blood pressure among Chinese adults in Johor. This cross-sectional study comprised of 90 subjects (36 males, 54 females), aged 18 to 59 years old. Subjects were required to answer the online questionnaire regarding KAP of salt intake. Self-reported anthropometry data and blood pressure measurement were recorded. Sodium intake was determined using a single 24-hour dietary recall method through face-to face or telephone interview. Results showed that majority subjects were within normal Body Mass Index (BMI) range and optimal blood pressure range. BMI was found to have significant correlation with systolic blood pressure (r=0.563, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.444, p<0.05). Mean sodium intake of subjects was 2399 mg/day, exceeded the WHO recommendation of 2000 mg/day. Sodium intake was found to have significant correlation with systolic blood pressure (r=0.220, p<0.05). Results indicated that the overall KAP score was fair (64.14%). The knowledge of most subjects was fair (69.95%) besides having positive attitude towards salt intake (74.17%). However, practice of healthy salt intake among them was inadequate (49.53%). Sociodemographic characteristic of female gender was significantly associated (p<0.05) with better attitude. Additionally, older subjects, married subjects and subjects with higher level of education were significantly associated (p<0.05) with better practice towards healthy salt intake. In this study, there were no significant (p>0.05) associations between KAP on salt intake with sodium intake and blood pressure. In conclusion, BMI and sodium intake were significantly associated with blood pressure among Chinese adults. Further effort and interventions are needed to reduce the salt intake among Chinese adults and thus reduce the risk of hypertension.