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Evaluation of a state-wide intervention on salt intake in primary schoolchildren living in Victoria, Australia

Authors :
Carley A Grimes
Kristy A Bolton
Kathy Trieu
Jenny Reimers
Sian Armstrong
Bruce Bolam
Kelsey Beckford
Joseph Alvin Santos
Emalie Rosewarne
Elizabeth K Dunford
Stephen Jan
Jacqui Webster
Bruce Neal
Caryl Nowson
Mark Woodward
Source :
Public Health Nutrition, Vol 26, Pp 1456-1467 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Cambridge University Press, 2023.

Abstract

Abstract Objective: In 2015, the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership launched a 4-year multifaceted salt reduction intervention designed to reduce salt intake by 1 g/d in children and adults living in Victoria, Australia. Child-relevant intervention strategies included a consumer awareness campaign targeting parents and food industry engagement seeking to reduce salt levels in processed foods. This study aimed to assess trends in salt intake, dietary sources of salt and discretionary salt use in primary schoolchildren pre- and post-delivery of the intervention. Design: Repeated cross-sectional surveys were completed at baseline (2010–2013) and follow-up (2018–2019). Salt intake was measured via 24-h urinary Na excretion, discretionary salt use behaviours by self-report and sources of salt by 24-h dietary recall. Data were analysed with multivariable-adjusted regression models. Setting: Victoria, Australia. Participants: Children aged 4–12 years Results: Complete 24-h urine samples were collected from 666 children at baseline and 161 at follow-up. Mean salt intake remained unchanged from baseline (6·0; se 0·1 g/d) to follow-up (6·1; 0·4 g/d) (P = 0·36), and there were no clear differences in the food sources of salt and at both time points approximately 70 % of children exceeded Na intake recommendations. At follow-up, 14 % more parents (P = 0·001) reported adding salt during cooking, but child use of table salt and inclusion of a saltshaker on the table remained unchanged. Conclusion: These findings show no beneficial effect of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership intervention on children’s salt intake. More intensive, sustained and coordinated efforts between state and federal stakeholders are required.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13689800 and 14752727
Volume :
26
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Public Health Nutrition
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.652cb14daeea4936b7f6b7a2b1acfdce
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980023000332