Urgency to raise awareness on limiting salt consumption among elderly in coastal areas

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Illustration by Jawa Pos com

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease whose prevalence continues to increase and contributes to increasing morbidity and mortality. The results of basic health research (riskesdas) 2018 showed that the prevalence of adult hypertension in Indonesia was 34.11% and increased with age. Excessive salt consumption is associated with hypertension and almost all populations in the world show salt intake exceeding recommendations. Coastal communities classified as vulnerable groups suffer from hypertension associated with excessive salt consumption due to the work of marinating fish and its geographical area.

Various efforts have been made to reduce salt intake and the programs implemented have proven to be effective and efficient. Various countries have been successful in reducing salt consumption in its population. Public health services play a role in increasing the degree of public health by educating and providing awareness to reduce excessive salt intake. This study was conducted to assess the intake of salt in the elderly in the elderly Posyandu as one of the community health programs in the Kenjeran region of Surabaya.

The study was conducted cross-sectionally to 51 women over the age of 45 living in the coastal areas of Surabaya with the aim of identifying salt intake in older adult women who participated in public health programs. 24-hour urine collection was performed to assess the level of sodium or salt in the urine and blood pressure measurements carried out in the morning. Subject participation in public health programs can be seen from the number of visits during the last 3 months, while the level of awareness was measured by asking directly whether they currently avoid or limit the consumption of salt in their food.

The study results showed the mean salt intake was 6.16 ± 3.48 g / day and only 11.8% of subjects consumed salt

The average salt consumption that still exceeds the WHO recommendation of 5 g / day and the prevalence of hypertension that is still quite high (37.3%) shows the need for comprehensive strategies to reduce salt consumption and blood pressure in coastal communities. The role of public health access and programs needs to encourage and educate the public in raising awareness on limiting salt consumption.

Author: Farapti, dr., M.Gizi

Details of this study can be viewed in our article in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2020/8793869/

Farapti F, Fatimah AD, Astutik E, Hidajah AC, Rochmah TN. Awareness of salt intake among community dwelling elderly at coastal area: The role of public health access program. Journal of nutrition and metabolism 2020(2):1-9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8793869

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Achmad Chasina Aula

Achmad Chasina Aula

Mahasiswa Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi