Change in US Adult Consumer Knowledge,Attitudes,and Behaviors Related to Sodium Intake and Reduction: SummerStyles 2012 and 2015

Abstract

Purpose:

To describe changes in consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sodium reduction from 2012 to 2015.

Design:

A cross-sectional analysis using 2 online, national research panel surveys.

Setting:

United States.

Participants:

A total of 7796 adults (18+ years).

Measures:

Sodium-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Analysis:

Data were weighted to match the US population survey proportions using 9 factors. Wald χ² tests were used to examine differences by survey year and hypertensive status.

Results:

Despite the lack of temporal changes observed in respondent characteristics (mean age: 46 years, 67% were non-Hispanic white, and 26% reported hypertension), some changes were found in the prevalence of sodium-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The percentage of respondents who recognized processed foods as the major source of sodium increased from 54% in 2012 to 57% in 2015 (P = .04), as did the percentage of respondents who buy or choose low/reduced sodium foods, from 33% in 2012 to 37% in 2015 (P = .016). In contrast, the percentage of self-reported receipt of health professional advice among persons with hypertension decreased from 59% in 2012 to 45% in 2015 (P < .0001). Other sodium-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors did not change significantly during 2012 to 2015.

Conclusion:

In recent years, some positive changes were observed in sodium-related knowledge and behaviors; however, the decrease in reported health professional advice to reduce sodium among respondents with hypertension is a concern.