Impact of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Salt/Sodium Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of University Students

Leila Cheikh Ismail, Mona Hashim, Amjad H. Jarrar, Maysm N. Mohamad, Rameez Al Daour, Radhiya Al Rajaby, Sara AlWatani, Amna AlAhmed, Shaikha Qarata, Fatima Maidan, Sheima T. Saleh, Lily Stojanovska, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Salt reduction strategies help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by reducing high blood pressure. This study aimed to assess salt related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) before and after administering an evidence-based nutrition education workshop. Methods: Ninety non-medical university students were recruited to investigate KAP related to dietary salt intake. The KAP components were assessed before, immediately after, and 4-weeks after administering an evidence-based educational workshop and leaflet. Results: Knowledge and attitudes related to salt improved significantly immediately post-intervention but were not fully retained after 4-weeks. Five of the 13 evaluated practices improved after 4-weeks: trying to buy low-salt foods increased from 10 to 19% (P = 0.022), rarely adding salt to food during cooking increased from 5 to 16% (P = 0.019), rarely adding salt to food at the table increased from 29 to 42% (P = 0.011), tried to reduce salt intake increased from 26 to 41% (P = 0.014), and tried to use spices to reduce salt increased from 31 to 45% (P = 0.044). Conclusions: The educational intervention had a positive impact on salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices, but the effect was not fully retained on the long-term. Periodic educational interventions should be considered to refresh knowledge and reinforce practices.

Original languageEnglish
Article number830262
JournalFrontiers in Nutrition
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 25 2022

Keywords

  • dietary salt
  • dietary sodium
  • educational intervention
  • knowledge retention
  • university students

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Impact of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Salt/Sodium Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of University Students'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this