Effect of Nutritional Education Program Based on Social Cognitive Theory on Sodium Intake among Housewives

Background: Sodium is essential for normal physiological functioning in human being. Prolonged high salt intake increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To assess the effect of nutritional education program based on Social Cognitive Theory on sodium intake among housewives. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was conducted in four randomly selected villages in Minia district. Sampling: A systematic random sample of 133 housewives. Tools: Five data collection tools were used, reflecting the Social Cognitive Theory construct. Tool No. (1): assessed the sociodemographic characteristics and situational awareness related to salt reduction. Tool No. (2) assessed salt reduction's positive outcome expectations and barriers. Tool No. (3) assessed the cognition and self-efficacy of reducing sodium intake. Tool No. (4) and Tool No. (5) assessed the nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviors regarding sodium intake. Results: Post-intervention, situational awareness concerning salt reduction and the experience of low- sodium products increased. The advantages expected to decrease sodium intake increased, while the barriers decreased. All items of cognition and self-efficacy significantly improved post-intervention (p-value <0.001). All knowledge items significantly increased in correct responses post-intervention (p-value <0.001). Post-intervention, 70% had low-risk behavior related to salt consumption compared to 10% pre-intervention. Conclusion: Social Cognitive Theory based educational program was effective in enhancing situational awareness, expected positive consequences, cognition and self-efficacy related to salt reduction, while it decreased the related difficulties expected. Moreover, the intervention increased the level of knowledge and improved the behaviors related to salt intake. Recommendations: Engaging families in future studies can foster a supportive atmosphere at home to adjust sodium intake.