Determinants of High-Sodium Food Intake Among Indonesian Patients With Hypertension

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 (β = 0.737, P =.036), attitude (β = -0.141, P =.050), and subjective norm (β = -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. © Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.