Quality assessment of consumer-facing websites on sodium reduction

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of information and guidance on dietary sodium reduction available on consumer-facing websites. Google Trends was used to identify the five most-used search terms related to dietary sodium reduction. For each term, websites on the first two pages were collected (n = 18–20). Of 93 websites collected, 24 were excluded due to defective links, duplicate websites, or not being consumer-focused. The remaining 69 websites were evaluated using a novel instrument, JHU-SALT, that includes 14 questions on topics related to salt reduction. The questions are grouped into three domains (“information,” “guidance,” and “accuracy”). For each question, websites were scored using a 3-step ordinal scale (“topic not addressed,” “topic somewhat addressed,” or “topic addressed adequately”). Only three of 14 JHU-SALT questions were addressed adequately by a majority of websites. Many websites provided information on the adverse health effects of a high sodium diet (74%, n = 51) or mentioned intake recommendations (64%, n = 44). Information on fundamental concepts was largely missing. The majority of websites (80%, n = 55) provided information on lifestyle strategies to reduce blood pressure, but most did not provide guidance to help implement those strategies. While missing information was common, misinformation was uncommon. The DISCERN questionnaire was utilized as well. Consumers seeking information and guidance on dietary sodium reduction will find that most available websites provide accurate but limited information, and insufficient guidance on how to lower sodium intake. Websites that provide both relevant information and guidance are needed to help consumers effectively reduce dietary sodium.