The effect of educational intervention on salt intake of people at risk of high blood pressure: application of the theory of planned behavior

Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. This study aims to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the salt intake of people at risk of hypertension in Anar city, Rafsanjan.

The present semi-experimental study was conducted among 141 participants (intervention group=70, control group=71) with a random sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire based on TPB before and two months after the intervention, and the amount of daily salt intake was evaluated through a 24-hour urine test. The intervention program was held virtually in six training sessions. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 software using Chi-square, Independent t-test, and Paired t-test at significant level of 0.05.

After the implementation of the educational program, the independent t-test showed a significant difference between the mean score of the theory constructs of the two groups and the amount of salt intake (7.63 grams per day in the intervention group vs. 12.01 in the control group) (P<0.05). The highest change was in behavioral beliefs (+21.42) and the lowest change in perceived power structure (+1.87).

According to the results, the current educational program was effective in reducing the amount of salt intake. Therefore, it is suggested to provide educational programs in person with the active participation of other family members (significant others) with the aim of empowering the family to control and monitor the salt intake.