Exploring consumers' behaviors, perceptions and knowledge on salt/sodium in Brazil and Canada

• Grant number: 20/04930-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 17, 2022
• End date: October 16, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutritional Analysis of Population
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Constante Jaime
• Grantee: Alícia Tavares da Silva Gomes
• Supervisor: Joanne Arcand
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 18/14198-0 - Retail food environment and knowledge, food practices and sodium consumption, BP.DD

Abstract

Excessive sodium intake is associated with unhealthy dietary patterns and the occurrence of hypertension (HTN). This scenario can be found in the Canadian and Brazilian populations. Thus, it becomes vital to better understand how consumers' knowledge, perceptions and behaviors (KPB) on salt/sodium are related to actual sodium intake, and to compare consumers' KPB in different contexts. Objectives: To describe the relationship between KPB on salt/sodium and sodium intake in a group of Canadian patients with HTN, comparing these results with KPB on salt/sodium of a group of Brazilian adult consumers (20-59 y) and youngsters (14-24 y). Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional research divided into two studies: Study 1 (Canadian study): eligible patients (>18 y) are recruited from both primary care clinics and older adult community centres in Durham region (expected n = 200). Patients should meet with study personnel on two occasions: one, to collect demographic and clinical data, receive instructions on how to complete study requirements, and be provided with study materials including two 24h urine containers and a 3-day food record booklet. Patients then return the urine containers and other study materials to the clinic or community centre, where all patients randomly complete a developed KPB questionnaire. Study 2 (Brazilian study): Adult consumers' KPB were collected from a probabilistic sample (n=422) through telephone interviewing, and youngsters from a convenience sample (n=345) from an online form. Both data collections were performed using developed instruments for each public. Expected Results: Expand and deepen current knowledge on how consumers KPB on salt/sodium vary among populations, and better understand if those practices are related to actual sodium intake. (AU)