Bridging knowledge gaps in salt consumption for public health action: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Excessive dietary salt consumption is a significant public health concern, yet awareness and behaviors regarding salt intake remain underexplored in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to salt intake among 1,308 adults residing in Saudi Arabia, surveyed online between December 2022 and May 2023. Most respondents (95.8%) recognized health risks associated with excessive salt intake, particularly hypertension (95.5%) and kidney disease (79.4%). However, awareness of its association with heart disease (50.5%) and stroke (28.3%) was considerably lower. Although nearly half acknowledged population-level salt overconsumption, only 25.9% were aware of the recommended daily salt limit, and just 17.5% considered their personal consumption excessive. Behaviorally, around 62% rarely or never checked sodium content on food labels, and over 75% rarely or never requested low-salt meals when dining out. Significant demographic variations emerged, with women and older adults displaying greater awareness and healthier practices. These findings underscore critical gaps in knowledge and self-awareness regarding salt intake among Saudi adults. Implementing clear front-of-pack nutrition labeling and strengthening public educational campaigns are vital steps. Moreover, targeted interventions involving food manufacturers and restaurants are crucial to effectively promote healthier salt intake behaviors and support national public health goals.