Assessment of salt intake behaviour among undergraduate health care students studying in London

Abstract

Background: Excessive salt intake causes high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Salt intake behaviour among health care students is still unexplored. The objective of the present study is to assess the extent of salt intake behaviour among undergraduate health care students studying in a university in London. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The participants of this research are undergraduate business and healthcare management students. Students were invited to complete the online questionnaire by sending the link through emails. Results: A total of 132 students completed their questionnaire. The results reveal that about 70.4% female respondents take salt and about 54% male respondents take salt in their foods. Respondents who are above 35 years of age take less salt compared to those who are less than 35 years of age. Household earning and salt intake behaviour do not show any significant differences. Conclusions: This study just provided a snapshot of salt intake behaviour among the healthcare students but more innovative health promotion approaches may help in future to make people aware of the recommended salt intake and its impact on their health.