Abstract
Background: Sodium restriction is difficult for most individuals with hypertension. Intention to limit sodium intake predicts behavior. Information on the determinants of intention to restrict sodium intake is limited.
Objectives: The aims of this study were to identify (1) determinants of intention to restrict high-sodium food intake and (2) sources of sodium consumed by patients with hypertension in Indonesia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with hypertension (n = 206) attending cardiac clinics. A researcher-developed and tested, self-administered questionnaire that included questions about sodium restriction and a high-sodium food inventory was distributed. The quantile regression method was used to identify determinants of intention to restrict dietary sodium.
Results: The mean age of the patients with hypertension was 59 +/- 10 years, and more than three-fourths were obese (n = 162, 78%). The determinants of intention to limit sodium intake included gender ([beta] = 0.737, P = .036), attitude ([beta] = -0.141, P = .050), and subjective norm ([beta] = -0.283, P = .005). Men reported higher sodium consumption, while attitudes and subjective norm were negatively correlated with sodium intake. These determinants predicted 13.2% of the variance in intention to restrict dietary sodium. Subjects reported frequently consuming snacks (n = 82, 39.7%) and seasoning condiments (n = 65, 31.6%).
Conclusions: High-sodium snacks and condiments added while cooking were frequently consumed among patients with hypertension in Indonesia. Understanding the factors associated with intention to follow a low-sodium diet will assist nurses to design effective interventions that promote adherence to the low-sodium diet among those with hypertension.