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Self-reported high salt intake in adults: data from the National Health Survey, Brazil, 2013

Abstracts

OBJECTIVE:

to describe self-reported high sodium consumption prevalence in adults and compare results in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District based on data from the 2013 National Health Survey (PNS) and from the 2013 Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel).

METHODS:

this was a descriptive study using PNS and Vigitel data, estimating prevalence and confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS:

PNS data indicates that 14.2% (95%CI:13.6%-14.7%) of adults reported high sodium consumption. It was higher in men (16.1%;95%CI:15.3-16.9), people aged 18-29 (17.7%;95%CI:16.2-19.2), those with higher education (17.3%;95%CI:15.6-19.0), living in urban areas (14.8%;95%CI:13.6-14.7), and in Southern Brazil (18.2%;95%CI:16.8-19.7). When comparing capitals, there was no statistical difference between PNS and Vigitel, although statistical difference was found in Rio Branco and Aracaju.

CONCLUSION:

similar rates of high prevalence were found in both studies, reinforcing Vigitel's important monitoring role.

Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Life Style; Feeding Behavior; Risk Factors; Epidemiology, Descriptive


OBJETIVOS:

descrever a prevalência de consumo elevado de sódio autorreferido em adultos e comparar resultados das capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal, coletados pela Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) e pelo Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (Vigitel), ambos de 2013.

MÉTODOS:

estudo descritivo utilizando dados da PNS e Vigitel, estimando prevalências e intervalos de confiança (IC95%).

RESULTADOS:

segundo a PNS, 14,2% (IC95%:13,6%-14,7%) dos adultos referiram consumo elevado de sal, com prevalência maior em homens (16,1%; IC95%:15,3-16,9), indivíduos de 18-29 anos de idade (17,7%; IC95%:16,2-19,2), com Ensino Superior completo (17,3%; IC95%:15,6-19,0), residentes na área urbana (14,8%; IC95%:13,6-14,7) e na macrorregião Sul (18,2%; IC95%:16,8-19,7); no total das capitais, não houve diferenças entre PNS (15,0%; IC95%:14,2-15,8) e Vigitel (16,0%; IC95%:15,3-16,6), porém observaram-se diferenças significativas para Rio Branco e Aracaju.

CONCLUSÃO:

encontrou-se prevalências elevadas, semelhantes em ambos estudos, reforçando a importância do Vigitel para monitoramento.

Cloreto de Sódio na Dieta; Estilo de Vida; Comportamento Alimentar; Fatores de Risco; Epidemiologia Descritiva


OBJETIVOS:

describir la prevalencia del consumo elevado de sodio autorreferido en adultos y comparar los resultados de 2013 de capitales brasileñas y Distrito Federal recogidos por la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS) y por el Sistema de Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo y Protección para Enfermedades Crónicas por Pesquisa Telefónica (Vigitel).

MÉTODOS:

estudio descriptivo con datos de la PNS y Vigitel, estimando las tasas de prevalencia e intervalos de confianza (IC95%).

RESULTADOS:

los datos de la Encuesta muestran que 14,2% (IC95%:13,6%-14,7%) de adultos reportaron ingesta elevada de sal, siendo más prevalente en hombres (16,1%;IC95%:15,3-16,9), individuos de 18-29 años de edad (17,7%;IC95%:16,2-19,2), graduados universitarios (17,3%;IC95%:15,6-19,0), viviendo en zonas urbanas (14,8%;IC95%:13,6-14,7) y en la región Sur del país (18,2%;IC95%:16,8-19,7); comparando el total de capitales, no se observaron diferencias entre PNS (15,0%;IC95%:14,2-15,8) y Vigitel (16,0%;IC95%:15,3-16,6); sin embargo, hubo diferencias estadísticas en Río Branco y Aracaju.

CONCLUSIÓN:

las tasas de prevalencia fueron altas y la semejanza de valores encontrada refuerza la importancia de Vigitel para ese monitoreo.

Cloruro de Sodio Dietético; Estilo de Vida; Conducta Alimentaria; Factores de Riesgo; Epidemiología Descriptiva


Introduction

Sodium is found in nature, in the salt added to the preparation of food, in the salt shaker at the table and in processed foods,11. Veen JE, Graaf C, Dis SJ, Staveren WA. Determinants of salt use in cooked meals in the Netherlands: attitudes and practices of food preparers. Eur J Clin Nutr [Internet]. 1999 May [cited 2015 Jan 15];53(5):388-94. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10369495
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being widely available. There is evidence of the association of high sodium intake with the development of several chronic diseases such as arterial hypertension,22. Zhao D, Qi Y, Zheng Z, Wang Y, Zhang XY, Li HJ, et al. Dietary factors associated with hypertension. Nat Rev Cardiol [Internet]. 2011 Jul [cited 2015 Jan 15];8(8):456-65. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21727918
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21727...
cardiovascular diseases,33. Lawes CM, Vander Hoorn S, Rodgers A. Global burden of blood-pressure-related disease, 2001. Lancet [Internet]. 2008 May [cited 2015 Jan 15];371(9623):1513-8. Available from: http://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736%2808%2960655-8.pdf
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,44. Dickinson BD, Havas S. Reducing the population burden of cardiovascular disease by reducing sodium intake: a report of the Council on Science and Public Health. Arch Intern Med [Internet]. 2007 Jul [cited 2015 Jan 15];167(14):1460-8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17646599
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17646...
stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy, kidney diseases55. He FJ, MacGregor GA. Reducing population salt intake worldwide: from evidence to implementation. Prog Cardiovasc Dis [Internet]. 2010 Mar-Apr [cited 2015 Jan 15];52(5):363-82. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20226955
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20226...
and stomach cancer66. D'Elia L, Rossi G, Ippolito R, Cappuccio FP, Stratzzullo P. Habitual salt intke and risk or gastric cancer: meta-analysis of prospective studies. Clin Nutr [Internet]. 2012 Aug [cited 2015 Jan 15];31(4):489-98. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22296873
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22296...
, among others. This is an important risk factor to be monitored.

The daily salt intake per person was excessive in most countries, ranging between 9 and 12g.77. Brown IJ, Tzoulaki I, Candeias V, Elliott P. Salt intakes around the world: implications for public health. Int J Epidemiol [Internet]. 2009 Jan [cited 2015 Jan 16];38(3):791-813. Available from: http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/content/38/3/791.long
http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/content/38...
In Brazil, the 2008-2009 Household Budget Survey pointed a population average daily sodium intake of 4,700mg, equivalent to 12 g/day of salt.88. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa de orçamentos familiares 2008-2009: aquisição alimentar domiciliar per capita: Brasil e grandes regiões. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2010.,99. Sarno F, Claro RM, Levy RB, Bandoni DH, Monteiro CA. Estimativa de consumo de sódio pela população brasileira, 2008-2009. Rev Saude Publica [Internet]. 2013 jun [citado 2015 jan 16];47(3):571-8. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47n3/0034-8910-rsp-47-03-0571.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47n3/0034-...
This value far exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of a maximum daily salt intake of 5g for adults (2,000mg of sodium)1010. World Health Organization. Reducing salt intake in populations: report of a WHO forum and technical meeting, 5-7 october 2006, Paris; 2006 [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2007 [cited 2015 Jan 16]. Available from: http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/Salt_Report_VC_april07.pdf
http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/...
.

The decrease in salt intake has been identified as one of the most cost-effective interventions to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with the potential to save millions of lives each year, once its intake is related to NCDs. 1111. World Health Organization. Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020 [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2013 [cited 2014 Jan 22]. Available from: http://www.who.int/nmh/events/ncd_action_plan/en/
http://www.who.int/nmh/events/ncd_action...

12. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Departamento de Análise de Situação de Saúde. Plano de ações estratégicas para o enfrentamento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) no Brasil 2011-2022. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2011.

13. Cobiac LJ, Vos T, Veerman JL. Cost-effectiveness of interventions to reduce dietary salt intake. Heart. 2010 Dec;96(23):1920-5.
-1414. Smith-Spangler CM, Juusola JL, Enns EA, Owens DK, Garber AM. Population strategies to decrease sodium intake and the burden of cardiovascular disease: a cost-effectiveness analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2010 Apr;152(8):481-7. Initiatives on salt reduction have also been developed since 2004, as part of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.1515. World Health Organization. Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases. Report of a Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation. Genebra: World Health Organization; 2003. (WHO technical report series;916).,1616. Organização Mundial da Saúde. Estratégia global em alimentação saudável, atividade física e saúde. Genebra: Organização Mundial da Saúde; 2004. The importance of salt reduction in the population was approved at the United Nations High Level Meeting on NCDs, which occurred in 2011, and was included in the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, which has set a target of 30% reduction in salt intake between 2013 and 2020.1111. World Health Organization. Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020 [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2013 [cited 2014 Jan 22]. Available from: http://www.who.int/nmh/events/ncd_action_plan/en/
http://www.who.int/nmh/events/ncd_action...
,1717. United Nations. Resolution A/RES.66/2. Political declaration of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. In: Sixty-sixth General Assembly of the United Nations [Internet]; New York; 2011 Sep 19-20. New York: United Nations General Assembly; 2012 [cited 2014 Jan 22]. Available from: http://www.who.int/nmh/events/un_ncd_summit2011/political_declaration_en.pdf?ua=1
http://www.who.int/nmh/events/un_ncd_sum...
Strategic Action Plan to Tackle Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Brazil 2011-2022, published in 2011, also defined as one of its goals the reduction in the average salt intake.1212. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Departamento de Análise de Situação de Saúde. Plano de ações estratégicas para o enfrentamento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) no Brasil 2011-2022. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2011.

Direct information on the sodium intake remains scarce in the country. A study conducted in Vitória, Espírito Santo State, using urine samples, estimated a daily salt intake of 12.6g (standard deviation: 5.8g) per individual. Of this volume, 52.3% derive from the addition of salt to the food.1818. Molina MCB, Cunha RS, Herkenhoff LF, Mill JG. Hipertensão arterial e consumo de sal em população urbana. Rev Saude Publica [Internet]. 2003 dez [citado 2015 jan 16];37(6):743-50. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v37n6/18017.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v37n6/18017...

The monitoring of indicators related to food consumption takes into consideration the markers of healthy and unhealthy consumption patterns. The indicator "self-perception of high salt intake" belongs to the markers of unhealthy food.1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde). In 2013, the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) included the indicator "self-perception of high salt intake". Of those surveyed by Vigitel, 16% considered their salt intake high or very high.1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde).

The knowledge of prevalence of risk factors and their distribution in the population is essential to guide the NCDs prevention actions and health promotion in a more cost-effective way.2020. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. A vigilância, o controle e a prevenção das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis: DCNT no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro: situação e desafios atuais. Brasília: Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde; 2005. Evaluating the self-reported sodium intake may help in raising awareness of population regarding of the need to change this habit. In 2013, the National Health Survey (PNS) in its module 'Lifestyle', inquired the population about the self-perception of salt intake.2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014.

The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of self-reported high sodium intake in adults and compare data of Brazilian capitals and the Federal District, collected by the National Health Survey, PNS, and the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey, Vigitel, both conducted in 2013.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the PNS and the Vigitel System. The PNS is a household survey carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in a partnership with the Ministry of Health.2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014. Its sampling, by clusters, took place in three stages: (i) census sectors (primary units), (ii) households (secondary units) and (iii) an 18 year-old or older adult resident (tertiary unit) selected by simple random sample, to respond to the specific questionnaire. Sample weights were set for the Primary Sampling Units (PSU), for households and all their residents, in addition to the weight for the selected resident.2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014.,2222. Szwarcwald CL, Malta DC, Pereira CA, Vieira MLFP, Conde WL, Souza Júnior PRB, et al. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde no Brasil: concepção e metodologia de aplicação. Cienc Saude Coletiva [Internet]. 2014 fev [citado 2015 jan 23];19(2):333-42. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/csc/v19n2/1413-8123-csc-19-02-00333.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/csc/v19n2/1413-...

Data collection occurred in 2013 and extended to 64,348 households, with 60,202 interviews conducted with adults (18 or older). The non-response rate in the study was of 8.1%. The IBGE was responsible for the fieldwork, as well as for the availability of its professionals involved in the research, such as information gathering agents, who were previously trained, supervisors and coordinators.2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014.

To record the data collected, PDA (personal digital assistance), handheld computers, were used in the interviews scheduled according to the availability and convenience of the respondents. Two or more visits to each household were planned. Further details on the sampling process are available in the publication of the PNS results.2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014.

The first publication of the PNS module focused on aspects related to the perception of health status, lifestyles and chronic diseases, including information on the consumption of salt.2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014.

Vigitel is a telephone survey conducted with the adult population (≥18 years) who live in the Brazilian capitals and the Federal District. The sampling process of that research is probabilistic, based on the records of landlines from the studied places. The sample consists of 5,000 telephone lines divided into 200 sub-samples for each city, in order to identify the eligible lines (residential and active). After that, an individual is randomly selected to be interviewed in each household.1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde).

The estimates of Vigitel are weighted by the raking adjustments of post-stratification, using the estimates of age, sex and education level of the population projected for the year of the survey. The objective of Vigitel weighting is to equalize the distribution of the interviewed population with the distribution of the estimated population. For more information, we recommend the annual publication of the Vigitel results.1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde).

In the analysis of this study, we used the indicator of high salt intake, which consists of the ratio (%) of individuals aged 18 or more who reported high or too high salt intake, over the total number of individuals interviewed. The PNS question analyzed was: "Considering the freshly prepared food and industrialized food, do you think your salt intake is a) very high, b) high, c) appropriate, d) low e) very low ?".2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014. The question of Vigitel to compose this indicator was: "Summing the freshly prepared food plus the processed food, do you think your salt intake is a) very high, b) high, c) appropriate, d) low e) very low?. "1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde).

Prevalence and their 95% confidence interval were presented according to:

  • a) sex (male, female);

  • b) age (18-29; 30-59; 60-64; and 65 -74 years old);

  • c) education level

  • - No schooling and incomplete primary school;

  • - Complete primary school and incomplete secondary school;

  • - Complete secondary school and incomplete tertiary school; and

  • - Complete tertiary school;

  • d) ethnicity/skin color (white, black, brown);

  • f) area of residence (urban, rural); and

  • g) Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Southeast, South, Central-West).In the comparison between the two surveys, significant differences were identifyed based on the abscence of overlaping in the comparisson of 95%CI. In order to perform the analysis of the data, the software Stata version 11.0 was used, in the survey module, which considers effects of the complex sample.

The PNS was approved by the National Commission for Ethics in Research, under technical report n. 328,159, June 26, 2013; and Vigitel survey, approved under technical report n. 355,590, June 26, 2013.

Results

In Brazil, the prevalence of adults who referred high salt intake was 14.2% (95%CI 13.6% to 14.7%) and 15.0% (95%CI 14.2% to 15.8) for the total of the capitals. This prevalence was higher among males (16.1%; 95%CI 15.3% to 16.9%). We observed a reduction in prevalence of this indicator as age increased: frequency of 17.7% (95%CI 16.2% to 19.2%) for individuals aged 18 to 29 years, and 7.9% (95%CI 6,9% to 8.9%) for those between 65 and 74 years old (Table 1).

Table 1
Prevalence (%) of self-reported high salt intake among adults (n = 60,202) according to sociodemographic characteristics. - National Health Survey. Brazil, 2013

Concerning education level, higher prevalence was verified, as the years of study increased, with frequency of 17.3% (95%CI 15.6% to 19.0%) among adults with complete tertiary school and 10.5% (95%CI 9.8% to 11.2%) among individuals with no schooling and incomplete primary school. For ethnicity/skin color, adults who declare themselves white had a prevalence of 15.4% (95%CI 14.6% to 16.2%) of self-reported high salt intake. The high salt intake was more prevalent in urban areas (14.8%; 95%CI 13.6 to 14.7) and in the South (18.2%; 95%CI 16.8% to 19.7%) and Central-West (15.8%; 95%CI 14.5% to 17.1%). The lowest percentage of self-reported high consumption was found in the Northeast (10.7%; 95%CI 0.0% to 11.5 %) (Table 1).

When stratifying by States, the highest prevalences were observed in the states of Santa Catarina (19.8%; 95%CI 16.8 to 22.8), Rio Grande do Sul (19.4%; 95%CI 16.9 -21.8) and Amapá (19.0%; 95%CI 15.2 to 22.9); the lowest prevalences, on the other hand, were observed in the states of Paraíba (9.9%; 95%CI 8.0 to 11.9), Maranhão (9.8%; 95%CI 7.4 to 12.2) and Piauí (9.2%; 95%CI 7.4 to 11.0) (Figure 1). There was no convergence of states and capitals which stood out with the highest and lowest percentages for this indicator (Figure 1 and Table 2).

Figure 1
Prevalence (%) of self-reported high salt intake among adults (n = 60,202), according to Brazilian States. - National Health Survey. Brazil, 2013

Table 2
Prevalence (%) of self-reported high salt intake among adults living in the Brazilian capitals and the Federal District (n = 52,929), according to the National Health Survey (PNS) and Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel). Brazil, 2013

For the Brazilian capitals and the Federal District, the individuals who most reported high salt intake were those resident in Goiânia (21.5%; 95%CI 17.2 to 25.9), Macapá (20.7%; 95%CI 15.4 to 26.1) and Cuiabá (19.8%; 95%CI 15.2 to 24.4), the lowest prevalence were observed in Manaus (12.2%; 95%CI 8.9 -15.4), Rio Branco (10.5%; 95%CI 8.2% to 12.7%) and Aracaju (9.4%; 95%CI 6.3% to 12.6%). For the total of the capitals, the prevalence estimated by PNS was 15.0% (95%CI 14.2% to 15.8%), and by Vigitel, 16.0% (95%CI 15.3% to 16.6%). When comparing the prevalence of PNS and Vigitel, it was found that, although specific prevalences are not identical, only for Rio Branco and Aracaju the difference between the results of the two surveys was statistically significant (Table 2).

Discussion

According to the National Health Survey data, about one in six adult Brazilians consider their salt intake high. The prevalence of this condition was higher among men, compared to women, showing an inverse relation with age group and a direct one with the individuals' education level. The perception of high consumption is also higher among individuals with white skin in urban areas, and residents of the South and Central-West. Similarity between the results of the PNS and the Vigitel system was also found for all capitals except for Rio Branco and Aracaju.1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde).

The results of this study cannot be seen as an approximation of the actual salt intake by the adult population of the country, since the correlation between the level perceived and the actual salt intake remains unexplored. Although the PNS has among its objectives the direct identification of the Brazilian population salt intake, through the analysis of the urinary sodium, these data remained unavailable until the time of the conclusion of this study. However, the results presented here are a good way to assess the ability of the Brazilian population to identify their real salt intake and the dangers to health when intake is high.

Data from the Household Budget Survey (POF) conducted by IBGE in 2008-2009, with a sample of 21,003 individuals aged between 20 and 59, indicated, by the analysis of two non-consecutive days of food records, inadequate and excessive sodium intake by 89.3% of men and 70% of women in the country.2323. Araujo MC, Bezerra IN, Barbosa FS, Junger WL, Yokoo EM, Pereira RA, et al. Consumo de macronutrientes e ingestão inadequada de micronutrientes em adultos. Rev Saude Publica [Internet]. 2013 fev [citado 2015 jan 24];47 supl 1:177-89. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47s1/04.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47s1/04.pd...
If the high salt intake was identified only by 16.1% of men and 12.5% of women participating in the PNS, it is possible to say that people's ability to recognize their sodium intake, or even intake adequate levels, remains far from ideal.

Some limitations should be taken into account during the assessment of this study results. In both surveys, PNS and Vigitel, the interviewees were asked to rate their salt intake, and this information was used as an approximation of their sodium intake.1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde).,2121. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013: percepção do estado de saúde, estilos de vida e doenças crônicas: Brasil, grandes regiões e unidades da federação. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2014. As the sodium is present in the food as well as other substances (monosodium glutamate or sodium bicarbonate, for example) and its content in industrialized food is not always easy to perceive, self-assessment of individuals becomes complex, reducing the accuracy of the ultimate indicator and possibly resulting in their underestimation. Such matter constitutes the main limitation of this study. However, it is known that table salt accounts for the largest portion of the sodium consumed by the Brazilian population,99. Sarno F, Claro RM, Levy RB, Bandoni DH, Monteiro CA. Estimativa de consumo de sódio pela população brasileira, 2008-2009. Rev Saude Publica [Internet]. 2013 jun [citado 2015 jan 16];47(3):571-8. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47n3/0034-8910-rsp-47-03-0571.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47n3/0034-...
,2323. Araujo MC, Bezerra IN, Barbosa FS, Junger WL, Yokoo EM, Pereira RA, et al. Consumo de macronutrientes e ingestão inadequada de micronutrientes em adultos. Rev Saude Publica [Internet]. 2013 fev [citado 2015 jan 24];47 supl 1:177-89. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47s1/04.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v47s1/04.pd...
,2424. Sarno F, Claro RM, Levy RB, Bandoni DH, Ferreira SRG, Monteiro CA. Estimated sodium intake by the Brazilian population, 2002-2003. Rev Saude Publica [Internet]. 2009 Apr [cited 2015 Jan 24];43(2):219-25. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v43n2/230.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v43n2/230.p...
so that the big difference between the frequency of inappropriate intake and of individuals who recognize their high intake is due more to the ignorance of salt intake than to the inaccuracy in the measurement of this study.

Another potential limitation is related to the fact that the Vigitel sample is restricted to those with landline, which is a service with low coverage in the Northern and Northeastern regions. This is probably one of the reasons in the frequency differences found between PNS and Vigitel, for individuals referring high salt intake in Aracaju and Rio Branco. However, the use of a weighting adjustment reduces these biases, seeking to approach the population studied by Vigitel to that population estimated for each city studied in each year of the survey.1919. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Vigitel Brasil 2013: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014. (Série G. Estatística e Informação em Saúde).

In this study, there was great similarity of the parameters estimated by Vigitel and PNS for the self-perception of salt intake for Brazil and for 25 of the 27 capitals. This finding, in addition to the swiftness and low cost of the system based on telephone interviews (about one-fifth of the cost of an in-person home interview),2525. Moura EC, Morais Neto OL, Malta DC, Moura L, Silva NN, Bernal R, et al. Vigilância de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico nas capitais dos 26 estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal (2006). Rev Bras Epidemiol [Internet]. 2008 mai [citado 2015 jan 24];11 supl 1:20-37. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbepid/v11s1/02.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbepid/v11s1/02...
leads to the conclusion that the Vigitel system is suitable to maintain the surveillance of this indicator, especially during interval years of household surveys. We highlight that no test was used to assess the agreement among the results found. The results presented suggest greater perception of salt intake among individuals with higher education level. This trend is often observed in studies involving other topics related to eating and nutrition.2626. Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Lu B, Popkin BM. Obesity and inequities in health in the developing world. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord [Internet]. 2004 Set [cited 2015 Jan 24];28(9):1181-6. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15211362
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15211...
Since the inadequate sodium intake appears to be similarly distributed among the country regions and the different education levels, such information reinforces the need of specific actions among the population of lower income levels and instruction.

Individuals' behavior change is a complex process, full of nuances,2727. Prochaska JO. Transtheoretical model of behavior change. In: Gellman MD, Turner JR, editors. Encyclopedia of behavioral medicine. New York: Springer; 2013. p. 1997-2000. usually initiated by the recognition of the current behavior as something harmful or problematic.2626. Monteiro CA, Conde WL, Lu B, Popkin BM. Obesity and inequities in health in the developing world. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord [Internet]. 2004 Set [cited 2015 Jan 24];28(9):1181-6. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15211362
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15211...
,2727. Prochaska JO. Transtheoretical model of behavior change. In: Gellman MD, Turner JR, editors. Encyclopedia of behavioral medicine. New York: Springer; 2013. p. 1997-2000.,2828. Johnson SS, Paiva AL, Cummins CO, Johnson JL, Dyment SJ, Wright JA, et al. Transtheoretical model-based multiple behavior intervention for weight management: effectiveness on a population basis. Prev Med [Internet]. 2008 Mar [cited 2015 Jan 24];46(3):238-46. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18055007
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18055...
Increasing the population's level of awareness about the potential dangers of excessive sodium intake is a key step towards reversing the current levels of inadequate intake of this element. The Ministry of Health performs measures aiming to reduce salt intake from processed food.2929. Nilson EAF, Jaime PC, Resende DO. Iniciativas desenvolvidas no Brasil para a redução do teor de sódio em alimentos processados. Rev Panam Salud Publica [Internet]. 2012 out [citado 2015 jan 24];32(4):287-92. Disponível em: http://www.scielosp.org/pdf/rpsp/v32n4/07.pdf
http://www.scielosp.org/pdf/rpsp/v32n4/0...
In this sense, a central strategy is the agreement between the government and the food industry on establishing voluntary, gradual and sustainable reduction of the maximum levels of sodium in processed foods.2929. Nilson EAF, Jaime PC, Resende DO. Iniciativas desenvolvidas no Brasil para a redução do teor de sódio em alimentos processados. Rev Panam Salud Publica [Internet]. 2012 out [citado 2015 jan 24];32(4):287-92. Disponível em: http://www.scielosp.org/pdf/rpsp/v32n4/07.pdf
http://www.scielosp.org/pdf/rpsp/v32n4/0...

This study allowed to identifying the frequency of adults evaluating their own sodium intake as high and their distribution according to the sociodemographic characteristics of the population. The low level of knowledge of individuals about their sodium intake is alarming and demands strong action, such as aggressive media campaigns and other broad-reach nutrition education actions, especially among the population with low income and education levels in the whole country. The similarity in the estimates of prevalence found in the National Health Survey, PNS, and Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey, Vigitel, enables this last one to be used effectively in monitoring this indicator.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Apr-Jun 2015

History

  • Received
    09 Feb 2015
  • Accepted
    14 Mar 2015
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