Determining factors affecting daily salt intake in adults based on the health action process approach model

Abstract

High salt consumption is one of the causes of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death, and daily salt consumption in the world is above the World Health Organization's recommendation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the 'Daily Salt Consumption Control Scale' and the 'Salt Consumption Control Self-Efficacy Scale,' and to determine the factors affecting daily salt consumption based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model using structural equation modeling. This study is a cross-sectional, methodological and correlational study. Data were collected from 300 adults for the validity and reliability analyses, during January 2023 and 305 adults for HAPA model testing at two separate times between March and April 2023. Descriptive statistics, validity and reliability analyses, and Structural Equation Modeling were used to analyze the data. Both scales demonstrated satisfactory model fit indices in confirmatory factor analyses. Risk perception, action and coping planning, and coping self-efficacy, had a direct effect on action control related to daily salt consumption, while negative and positive outcome expectancies, action self-efficacy, intention, and recovery self-efficacy had an indirect effect. The total variance in action control explained by the variables was 36.4 %. Both scales are valid and reliable measurement tools. The HAPA model effectively explains action control related to daily salt consumption. Clinicians may consider enhancing self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and risk perception to support efforts aimed at reducing salt consumption. These findings suggest that the HAPA model and the validated scales can be effectively used to guide behavioral interventions aimed at reducing daily salt consumption.