Dietary sodium and potassium intake among adult population of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2018-11
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
Background: World health organization recommends approximately a one to one ratio of
sodium to potassium intake. However, most populations around the world consume high
amount of sodium and low amount of potassium leading to high sodium to potassium ratio,
which puts the population at risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In Ethiopia,
population potassium intake and body sodium to potassium ratio is unknown.
Objective: The main aim of this study was to see the pattern of potassium and sodium intake
and to evaluate salt related knowledge, attitude and behavior among Addis Ababa adult
population.
Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 294 individuals
aged 20 years and above residing in Addis Ababa. Socio-demographic data and knowledge,
attitude and behaviour regarding dietary salt were collected. Repeated multiple pass 24-hour
dietary recall and random urine were collected to estimate sodium and potassium intake.
Nutrient content of diet was calculated using software package Nutrisurvey. Usual intake
from the diet recall was determined using national cancer institute (NCI) method. Prevalence
of inadequate potassium intake and prevalence of excess sodium intake were compared with
recommended values using SAS 9.3 and STATA14 software. Cobas 6000(501) analyser was
used for urine electrolyte analysis. Estimated 24 hour electrolyte (Na and K) excretion was
calculated from sample urine using INTERSALT and Tanaka formula.
Result: Two hundred eighty four participants were included in the study. The mean intake of
potassium was 1.9(SD=0.4) g/day and 1.9(SD=0.6) g/day from urine and diet evaluation
respectively. The mean intake of sodium was 3.3 (SD=0.7) g/day and 3.0 (SD=0.9) g/day
from urine and diet evaluation respectively. The prevalence of inadequate potassium intake
was 100% from both dietary assessment and urine analysis. The prevalence of excess intake
of sodium to potassium ratio was 90.1%, with a mean intake of 2.5(1.4).
Conclusion and Recommendation: We conclude that there is a high prevalence of
inadequate potassium intake and an excess intake of sodium leading to a high prevalence of excess sodium to potassium ratio. Salt related knowledge, attitude and behaviour found to be low as many participants were unaware of their high salt intake. Interventions targeting to decrease sodium intake and to increase potassium intake is needed.
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Keywords
World health organization,potassium,sodium