Consumer knowledge, attitudes and salt-related behavior in the Middle-East: the case of Lebanon.
Sodium intake is high in Lebanon, a country of the Middle East region where rates of cardiovascular diseases are amongst the highest in the world. This study examines salt-related knowledge, attitude and self-reported behaviors amongst adult Lebanese consumers and investigates the association of socio-demographic factors, knowledge and attitudes with salt-related behaviors. Using a multicomponent questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted in nine supermarkets in Beirut, based on systematic random sampling (n = 442). Factors associated with salt-related behaviors were examined by multivariate regression analysis. Specific knowledge and attitude gaps were documented with only 22.6% of participants identifying processed foods as the main source of salt, 55.6% discerning the relationship between salt and sodium, 32.4% recognizing the daily limit of salt intake and 44.7% reporting being concerned about the amount of salt in their diet. The majority of participants reported behavioral practices that increase salt intake with only 38.3% checking for salt label content, 43.7% reporting that their food purchases are influenced by salt content and 38.6% trying to buy low-salt foods. Knowledge, attitudes and older age were found to significantly predict salt-related behaviors. Findings offer valuable insight on salt-related knowledge, attitude and behaviors in a sample of Lebanese consumers and provide key information that could spur the development of evidence-based salt-reduction interventions specific to the Middle East.
Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Riad El Solh, 1107-2020 Beirut, Lebanon. ln10@aub.edu.lb.
Lara
L
Nasreddine
Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Riad El Solh, 1107-2020 Beirut, Lebanon. cristell@gmail.com.
Christelle
C
Akl
Vascular Medicine Program, American University of Beirut Medical Center, 11-0236 Riad El Solh, 1107-2020 Beirut, Lebanon.
Laila
L
Al-Shaar
Vascular Medicine Program, American University of Beirut Medical Center, 11-0236 Riad El Solh, 1107-2020 Beirut, Lebanon. mma122@mail.aub.edu.
Mohamad M
MM
Almedawar
Vascular Medicine Program, American University of Beirut Medical Center, 11-0236 Riad El Solh, 1107-2020 Beirut, Lebanon. hi09@aub.edu.lb.
Hussain
H
Isma'eel
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary