The Relationship Between a Health Promotion Planning Model and Sodium Consumption Behaviors among Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to examine the relationship between a health promotion planning model and sodium consumption behavior among patients with hypertension. A sample of 420 participants was calculated for the study and data were collected through an online questionnaire having a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.81 and an item-objective congruence (IOC) index exceeding 0.67. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used for data analysis.

Results: The findings indicated the mean scores for perceived benefits (Mean = 3.74, S.D. = 0.51) and self-efficacy (Mean = 3.70, S.D. = 0.52) regarding sodium reduction behaviors were at the high level. Perceived barriers to engaging in these behaviors were moderate (Mean = 2.62, S.D. = 0.61), while enabling factors, such as access to sodium-rich foods and products, were also moderate (Mean = 2.85, S.D. = 0.75). Supportive factors, including social support for sodium consumption reduction, were moderate as well (Mean = 2.97, S.D. = 0.81). Sodium consumption behavior among participants was at a moderate level (Mean = 3.11, S.D. = 0.65). A positive moderate correlation was found between access to sodium-containing foods and self-efficacy (r = 0.571 and 0.459, respectively). Furthermore, positive but low correlations were identified for social support, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits (r = 0.325, 0.299, and 0.210, respectively), as well.

Based on these findings, healthcare service units should consider adopting the health promotion planning model to develop programs that target sodium consumption behaviors in patients with hypertension, as well as in other chronic diseases associated with dietary behaviors.