Back to Search Start Over

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

Authors :
Magalhães, Pedro
Sanhangala, Edgar JR
Dombele, Isildro M
Ulundo, Henrique SN
Capingana, Daniel P
Silva, Amílcar BT
Source :
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
Publication Year :
2015
Publisher :
Clinics Cardive Publishing, 2015.

Abstract

Summary Background Levels 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. Methods Were 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. Results Average 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. Conclusions This 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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16800745 and 19951892
Volume :
26
Issue :
2
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
Accession number :
edsair.pmid..........8f7ecf521f9a682f8ff79d6d46fee502