Knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding dietary salt intake among medical students in Angola: cardiovascular topic

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundLevels of salt consumption and its awareness among medical students in Angola remain insufficiently studied. This study determined salt intake and assessed medical students’ knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding salt consumption.MethodsWere collected 24-hour urine samples from a random sample of 123 undergraduate medical students aged 17–43 years who were studying at the University of Agostinho Neto in Luanda. Their knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding dietary salt were surveyed. Socio-demographic, clinical and anthropometric data were collected.ResultsAverage salt intake was 14.2 ± 5.1 g/day, without significant difference between genders (p = 0.221). In total, 96.7% consumed over 5 g/day, but only 6.5% of participants were aware of their excessive salt intake. The majority knew about salt-related health consequences and 45.5% reported they controlled their salt intake.ConclusionsThis study indicated a high salt intake and inadequate behaviour regarding dietary salt consumption among medical students studying at the University of Agostinho Neto. This highlights the need for nutritional education to improve their dietary habits and future role in counselling.

Nutrition Practice and Knowledge of First-Year Medical Students

“…Sajwani et al [20] found that higher knowledge levels in Pakistani medical students were not reflected in their dietary practices. A study in Angola reported that although medical students were aware of the health consequences of a high salt intake, few looked at sodium levels on food labels before consuming products [26]. Another survey indicated that UK healthcare students were well informed about health related consequences of a high salt intake but had not reduced their own consumption of salt [27].…”

Assessment of salt intake behaviour among undergraduate health care students studying in London

“…20 The study results display that the participants of this research are more knowledgeable regarding salt intake compared to other researches for example in a study in Angola medical students revealed that only 6.5% of them are aware of excessive salt intake. 1 A study on cardiovascular risks among university students from developing and developed nations shows significant variation in cardiovascular risk among the young adults studying in universities. 17 Too much salt intake is associated with development of cardiovascular diseases is also in line with other research findings where it has been established that there is association between habitual salt intake and cardiovascular diseases.…”

“…High salt consumption can cause high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. 1 The relationship between dietary salt intake and high blood pressure has been researched by experimental, epidemiological, migration and intervention studies. 2 Hypertension due to high salt intake and their causal relationship is globally accepted.…”

“…12 An African study found that average daily salt intake and inadequate behaviour were related among the medical students in Angola. 1 A study on knowledge, attitude and practices medical and non-medical students in Pakistan revealed that superior knowledge about healthy lifestyle does not result in better practices. 13 By giving a clear picture to the population regarding salt intake and understanding how to use salt and also identifying the best way to reducing salt intake is very important to improve health status of the population both in developing and developed world.…”

Systematic Reduction of Excessive Salt Intake

“…The knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to dietary salt intake in highincome countries are low. The same is true for the middle-and low-income countries [41,42]. Consumers are aware of the health outcomes of a high salt intake, but the fundamental knowledge regarding recommended dietary intake, sources in food and the relationship between salt and sodium is lacking.…”