Dietary sodium and potassium intake: knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards dietary salt intake among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Objective: The present study aimed to estimate the consumption of Na and K and to assess salt-related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Estimates of Na and K intake were made using repeated multiple-pass 24-h dietary recall as well as using random urine. The usual intake of Na and K from the 24-h dietary recall was determined using the National Cancer Institute methodology. Estimated 24-h Na and K excretion was calculated using International Cooperative Study on Salt, Other Factors, and Blood Pressure and Tanaka formula.

Settings: Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.

Participants: Individuals aged 20 years and above residing in the city.

Result: The mean Na and K intake estimated using the diet recall data was 3·0 (0·9) g/d and 1·9 (0·6) g/d, respectively. Based on the urine analysis, the estimated mean Na and K intakes were 3·3 (0·7) g/d and 1·9 (0·4) g/d, respectively. Moreover, the analysis showed that the mean Na:K ratio was 2·5 (1·4). The daily intake of K was below the recommended amount for all study participants. More than 98 % and 90 % of participants had an excess intake of Na and Na:K ratio, respectively.

Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of inadequate K intake as well as excess intake of Na resulting in an increased prevalence of excess Na:K ratio. Thus, interventions targeting to decrease Na intake and to increase K intake are needed.