Effect of a Salt Reduction Campaign in a Community Clinic: A Retrospective Study

Background: Excessive sodium chloride (salt) intake is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, such as hypertension, and initiatives to reduce salt intake are essential. This study assessed whether a salt reduction campaign reduced salt intake in outpatients attending a community clinic. Methods: Of 2,429 outpatients whose baseline estimated salt intake was measured using spot urine during the campaign conducted from February 1 to June 30, 2018, 655 outpatients (42.4% female, mean age of 61.6 ± 13.1 years) with a baseline salt intake of ≥10 g/day and ≥2 salt intake measurements within six months of the campaign were included. During the campaign, healthcare providers displayed information on low-salt foods and a poster depicting the association between excess salt intake and hypertension, and encouraged outpatients to measure their salt intake. The primary outcome was the change in salt intake. Results: Salt intake decreased from 11.6 ± 1.69 to 9.4 ± 2.44 g/day (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) decreased from 27.4 ± 5.0 to 27.2 ± 5.0 kg/m² (p < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased from 132.3 ± 13.0 to 131.1 ± 13.5 mmHg (p = 0.028) in this population. Correlation analysis of the factors associated with changes in salt intake identified changes in BMI (r = 0.192, p < 0.001) and SBP (r = 0.176, p < 0.001). Estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased slightly; however, no clinically significant renal events were identified. Conclusion: This simple campaign represents a practical strategy to reduce salt intake in routine clinical practice.