Evaluation of an education program based on the theory of planned behavior for salt intake in individuals at risk of hypertension

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate an education program based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for salt intake in individuals at risk of hypertension. This randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2017 to December 2017 in Shahediyeh, Yazd Province, Iran. For this purpose, 140 people were selected and assigned to two groups of 70 each, namely, intervention and control. Data were gathered by a self-administered TPB based questionnaire, and also 24-h urinary sodium and potassium levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. The intervention group received TPB based on a training package, while the control group received no intervention. Post-test was administered 2 months after completion of the intervention. Independent and paired t-tests, χ2 and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for data analysis. All mean scores on TPB constructs increased significantly except motivation to comply and power of control for intervention group. Average salt intake decreased in intervention group compared with the control group (-4.73 g/day �0.73 versus -0.24 g/day �0.94, P < 0.001), but systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly in intervention group compared with control group. TPB can be implemented along with other approaches in educational programs to reduce salt intake. Code: IRCT201701108803N3.