title: Current levels of salt knowledge: a review of the literature.
abstract: High salt intake increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Given the role of knowledge as a determinant of food intake, this paper aims to review the current levels of salt knowledge and the association between salt knowledge and dietary salt intake and salt-related dietary practices in the general population. Twenty two studies were included in the review. In general, the studies showed consumers were able to identify the health risks associated with high salt intake. However, knowledge of recommended daily intakes, understanding of the relationships between salt and sodium and foods that contribute most salt to the diet were poor. Four of the five studies which examined the relationships between salt knowledge and salt-related dietary practices reported significant associations. Two important gaps in the current literature were identified. First, there is a need for a robustly validated tool to examine salt knowledge and its impact on salt intake. Second, a comprehensive salt knowledge assessment should include assessment of procedural, as well as declarative, knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion Board, 168937 Singapore, Singapore. rsarmuga@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Rani
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sarmugam
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood VIC 3125, Australia. anthony.worsley@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Worsley
mesh_terms: D001364:Awareness; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D065840:Protective Factors; D064167:Recommended Dietary Allowances; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary