Targeted Outreach by an Insurance Company Improved Dietary Habits and Urine Sodium/Potassium Ratios Among High-Risk Individuals with Lifestyle-Related Diseases

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The urine sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio can potentially be used to detect dietary habits that contribute to hypertension. In this prospective cohort interventional trial, we aimed to verify whether private insurance sales staff can help clients change their lifestyle habits based on their urinalysis results. Methods: Clients of the life insurance company (20–65 years old) who were considered to have “high risk” lifestyle factors, which was defined as having high values for two or more of the following indicators: body mass index, blood pressure, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and glucose metabolism, were included. The clients were randomly assigned to three groups: a face-to-face (FF) intervention by sales staff (n = 83), non-FF (Non-FF) intervention via a social networking service (n = 87), and no intervention (Control) (n = 58). Urinalysis and surveys about diet and exercise habits were conducted before and after a 3-month interventional period in all groups. Three interventions were performed for the FF and Non-FF groups, including dietary advice based on urinalysis results, education encouraging reduced salt intake and increased locomotor activity, and viewing an educational video. The Control group only received their urinalysis results by mail. Results: The participants’ mean age was 44.0 years old. Significant improvements in estimated potassium intake were observed in the Non-FF group, and significant reductions in urine Na/K ratios were noted in both the FF and Non-FF groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that watching the video was the most effective factor for decreasing the urine Na/K ratio (odds ratio = 1.869). The total points for dietary behavior, based on the questionnaire, significantly improved among the individuals who watched the video. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential for private health insurance companies to contribute to health promotion and introduces a novel strategy for improving lifestyle habits among individuals at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases.